Govt to intensify crackdown on smoke emitting vehicles

LAHORE: Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced that the government will ramp up its efforts to enforce environmental regulations on vehicles.

During a meeting where updates on air quality, school education, population, and health were discussed, Aurangzeb reviewed a plan to combat smog in Lahore.

Moreover, a key focus is identifying and fining smoke-emitting motorcycles using Safe City Authority cameras. With motorcycles contributing over 75% of transport pollution, the goal is to lower Lahore’s Air Quality Index from 100 to 70 by 2028.

The plan includes establishing 100 vehicle inspection and certification stations in Lahore and promoting electric bikes, vehicles, and buses. Public awareness and collective action are deemed essential for environmental protection.

The senior minister also highlighted the ongoing anti-encroachment operation and the introduction of an app to improve departmental coordination.

Additionally, a plantation campaign is underway to improve air quality and public health. Aurangzeb criticized the lack of a comprehensive strategy from longstanding institutions and called for a national approach to population management.

In education, it was announced that middle and matric tech programs will be introduced in 500 schools across Punjab. A school meal program is set to launch in September, with efforts focused on increasing enrollment and improving classroom standards.

Additionally, there is a target of achieving 40% female workers in the education sector.

Moreover, Punjab Population Welfare Department Director General Saman Rai warned that the rapidly growing population is straining the country’s resources, infrastructure, and environment.

She stressed the need for improved family planning access, public education, and sustainable urban planning to address these challenges.