Intensity of smog can be reduced by controlling human activities: Minister for Disaster Management

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Disaster Management Mian Khalid Mahmood has said that smog is a natural phenomenon created by the combination of smoke and fog in the atmosphere. Smog in Pakistan is usually caused by a mixture of smoke in the fog caused by a change in the humidity ratio in the air at the beginning of winter. The complete elimination of smog as a natural phenomenon cannot be claimed, but the intensity of smog can be reduced by controlling human activities that increase the amount of smoke in the atmosphere. The Punjab government is adopting the same strategy to protect itself from this natural disaster. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has banned all activities that could increase the intensity of smog due to climate change. Top of the list are smoke from vehicles and industries, solid waste disposal, especially the burning of old crop residues for the cultivation of new crops. In addition to smoke, dust, dirt and other construction materials including sand, gravel, cement, etc. cause air pollution. is also. The Authority has been continuously monitoring all such activities. For this purpose, a regular cell has been set up in PDMA which is operational 24 hours a day. Is also taking legal action against. About 100% of the kilns in Punjab have been converted to ZigZag technology.
These views were expressed by the Provincial Minister while briefing the media at the end of the review meeting on anti-smog activities at the Punjab Disaster Management Authority. They should take strict notice of crop residues and garbage burning incidents. Violators should be fined and legal action should be taken against them. It has been decided that action will be taken against the chief officer of the area where the garbage will be set on fire. The transport department has been directed to remove the polluting vehicles from the roads. He said that the traffic police has also been directed to conduct awareness campaign on polluting vehicles.
Replying to a question, Provincial Minister Khalid Mahmood said that Pakistan was not informed in advance about the pollution caused by burning of crop residues in India and there was no such agreement between the two countries.
Earlier in the review meeting, the provincial minister directed DG Provincial Disaster Management Authority Raja Mansoor to set up a task force to look into the complaints of fire incidents in different districts. Also perform supervisory duties. Other participants in the meeting included Relief Commissioner Punjab Babar Hayat Tarrad and representatives of other concerned departments besides PDMA.