LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to further tighten operations in Lahore to control smog and air pollution.
Under the ongoing anti-smog campaign on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, stricter measures will now be taken against drivers of smog emitting vehicles. The aim of this decision is to provide a clean environment to the citizens and reduce air pollution.
CTO Lahore Syed Abdul Rahim Shirazi has announced that the driving licenses of such vehicles that emit smoke exceeding the prescribed limit will be suspended. Strict action will also be taken against commercial vehicles and their driving licenses and route permits may also be suspended.
CTO Lahore said that the entry of tractor trolleys and dumpers carrying soil, sand, gravel or other construction materials without tarpaulin remains prohibited in the city. Cases are being registered against the violating drivers so that dust and pollution can be reduced on the roads.
During the current financial year, 114,378 vehicles emitting smoke have been challaned. In addition, 1,401 cases were registered for various violations during the smog campaign.
Action was taken against 53,599 vehicles carrying goods without tarpaulin, while legal action was also taken against 188,374 dilapidated and unfit vehicles.
The CTO Lahore says that special vigil is also being kept on vehicles transporting soil, sand and minerals. A crackdown is also underway on mine sites and tractor trolleys are not being allowed to run without tarpaulin or water safety arrangements. DSPs and other officers have been entrusted with the responsibility of special surveillance on the city’s entry and exit routes.
He said that modern technology is also being used. An artificial intelligence (AI)-based system is being used to identify polluting vehicles, while letters have also been sent to various government and semi-government institutions to improve the fitness of their vehicles.
