The increasing threat of smog has put a long shadow on Punjab for the past six years, especially during the winter months. When the temperature drops, cities like Lahore wrap themselves in a coarse blanket of pollution, AQI (AQI) often increases at a dangerous level.
Recognizing the urgency and attractiveness of the situation, the government of Punjab has adopted an active and multilateral sectarian approach to fight smog and improve air quality, which set an example of environmental governance in the region. –
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab has imagined a clean, green and climate flexible province that prefers environmental protection as well as climate change and adaptation.
This vision is driven by a mission focused on several important pillars. First, sustainable development is the most important, balanced economic progress with environmental health to ensure the future of generations to come.
Second, active measures are emphasized, rather than just reacting to crises rather than expecting environmental challenges and preventing them. Third, the engagement of citizens is very important, which is empowered to actively participate in environmental protection through awareness campaigns, education and accessible reporting systems.
Fourth, technological development is key, taking advantage of technology to monitor pollution, enforce the rules and regulations. Fifth, strong intestinal coordination is essential for environmental management and effective approach.
Finally, permanent improvement is a priority, which regularly reviews and updates policies and strategies based on the latest scientific understanding and excellent methods.
Punjab’s war against smog has been built on the basis of strong policies. The government has developed and implemented a comprehensive policy framework, such as CM climate flexible Punjab vision and clean air and smog reduction Action Plan 2024.
Punjab Clean Air Policy and Action Plan 2023 provided a target strategy to reduce emission from key sectors, while promoting sustainable development methods.
To solve significant incidence of pollution, the main incidence of air pollution (HAS Caps) 2022 precision consulting systems indicate the increasing increase of pollution, issuing timely health advice, and public health Provided a technical procedure for the implementation of emergency measures for protection.
Regulatory framework, the Rules of Smog Control and Prevention, explains the clear procedures, new intervention and measures to prevent emission in various fields, further strengthening the Rules 2023 and SMOG reduction and Action Plan 2024.
The Provincial Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is playing an important role in implementing these policies and ensuring compliance with environmental laws. Industries and brick kilns, which are important partners in air pollution, are being digital maps for the first time, and regular inspection is being inspected to monitor and implement emission and compliance.
Industries need to install the modern emission control system (ECS) to minimize their environmental impact. Special squads have been deployed to suppress fugitive dust at construction locations, especially in the urban areas. To further strengthen the implementation efforts, a new environmental protection force is being launched.
Under the government’s zero tolerance policy, the EPA has demolished more than 1,500 industrial units working on violations of environmental laws, sending a strong message to all concerned.
More than 1,605 units have been sealed to violate environmental standards, and 2,667 first information reports (FIR) have been filed against those responsible for polluting the environment.
These stringent measures of implementation, with the implementation of the overall fines exceeding Rs 200 million, have been identified as responsible for the EPA pollution and the commitment to protect the environment and public health.
In addition, the government has banned plastic and polythene bags more than 75 microns. As part of a crackdown across the province, 73 tonnes of banned plastic materials have been seized, and 25 FIRs have been filed against the violators. In addition, Rs 2.8 million has been fined.
The Punjab government is promoting a conducive environment for the development of green business. In addition to the implementation, the government is investing in promoting institutional capacity building and green investment to ensure sustainable improvement in air quality.
The EPA has been upgraded and reorganized to monitor, enforce and react its capabilities. A central smog war room has been set up to monitor the actual time monitoring of the pollution surface, integrate smog reduction activities and facilitate rapid decision -making during the main incidence of pollution.
Recognizing the power of technology, the government is monitoring the source of pollution, analyzing the data, and incorporating people into the efforts to reduce smog. Another flagship move is the Green Punjab app, which gives people the power to directly inform authorities of black smoke emissions, illegal dumping and other environmental threats.
A dedicated smog helpline (1373) provides the public another opportunity to register pollution complaints and obtain information. The Eco Watch app is digitally mapped and monitored by industries, which increases transparency and accountability.
Mobile monitoring units equipped with cameras and drones have been deployed in real -time to detect and deal with pollution hotspots, providing valuable valuable data for targeted intervention. To improve air quality monitoring, 30 new air quality monitoring systems have been installed in Punjab.
The government is emphasizing individual and collective responsibility to reduce this environmental challenge, actively educating citizens about its reasons and its consequences.
Daily updates regarding social media platforms and public awareness measures are made public about the level of air quality and guidance on security measures. The purpose of educational resources, such as ‘ABC’ books and climate -based stories, is aimed at promoting environmental consciousness in the younger generations.
The publication of the state environment report, which assesses air, water and soil quality, provides significant insights to both policy makers and the public. People are actively encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly ways.
Punjab is implementing modern solutions and target intervention to solve specific sources of pollution and achieve concrete improvement in air quality.
For the first time, a spraying system has been mandated to suppress the fugitive dust for construction sites. The EPA lab research indicates a 41.25pc reduction in the substance in Punjab, which demonstrates the effects of these interference.
One of the major reasons for winter smog, the government is distributing 5,000 subsidies to farmers to deal with the burning of poles. These machines allow farmers to sow crops directly in the soil without the need to burn the remains of the crops.
In severe surface areas of AQI, the government is following a green lockdown, restricting the movement and industrial activities of vehicles to prevent pollution and protect public health.
Recognizing the importance of incorporating young people in environmental operations, CM Climate Leadership Provides Graduates to Graduate Persons, provides 2,000 salary internships, promotes environmental leadership and construction capacity for future generations. Promotes These internships provide valuable experience in environmental management, research, and advocacy.
The government’s active and multilateral approach to counter smog and air pollution reflects a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and public health, which is driven by a clean and green Punjab leadership vision.
This vision not only emphasizes the urgent need for suppressing environmental challenges like SMOG, but also has a long -term purpose to create a sustainable and healthy environment for everyone.
Implementing strong policies, implementing rules and regulations, accepting technical innovations, promoting public awareness and investing in green measures, Punjab is making significant progress in understanding this vision and tackling the environmental crisis. Although the challenges remain, these efforts offer a clean and healthy future hope for the people of Punjab.
If maintained and stable, Punjab’s actions are capable of acting as a model for air quality management in the region, which shows that collective action and active governance also control environmental challenges. Can pass and can really pave the way for clean and green Punjab.
1 Author is the senior minister of Punjab.
