Lahore's Green Lockdown Begins: Smog Hotspots Face Diwali Crackdown on Pollution!
In response to increasingly poor air quality, Pakistan's Punjab province government said it will impose a "Green Lockdown" on Lahore starting November 1. Lahore has consistently figured among the world's most polluted cities, and it is in this context that the government has planned a lockdown to reduce smog and limit harmful emissions. Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced it in the assembly of Punjab, explaining how the lockdown would help ease the crisis of pollution.
The lockdown is to be followed by a time when Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached hazardous levels with peak times crossing 700. The lockdown is focused on 11 identified hotspots of pollution. A high-impact area for the lockdown is Shimla Hill.
What Does "Green Lockdown" Imply?
According to Green Lockdown policy, various pollution-heavy activities are being temporarily banned within one-kilometer radius from Shimla Hill, the worst-hit smog zone of Lahore. All types of construction have been banned, commercial generators are disallowed, and any work employing high-emitting vehicles such as motorcycles and auto-rickshaws cannot move on roads. Open barbeques will not be allowed after 8 p.m., and eatery joints will not be allowed to work with charcoal, coal, or wood unless equipped with modern emission control mechanisms. Marquees and wedding halls will have to shut their work by 10 p.m.
Green Lockdown Restrictions-Details:
- Construction Ban: Stop all kinds of construction activities in that area of pollution so not to create much dust and particulate.
- Generators and Vehicles Prohibited: Ban the generators whose emissions lie in higher range and ban those specified motorcycles and rickshaw.
- Food Outlet Together: Close all the eateries from 8 p.m. onwards and prohibit eating at other places.
- Closing Time for the Marquees: It would ensure that all such event halls in the district close by 10 p.m.
Green Master Plan and Modern Technology Ventures
Punjab government has prepared long-term "Green Master Plan" against the environmental problem of Lahore, says Maryam Aurangzeb. The new plan introduces the idea of developing a "green ring" outside the city and then a tree-lined wall that may help in reducing carbon contents and raising oxygen levels inside the district. As a prelude to these steps, the administration closed two polluting factories and imposed some ₹200,000 in fines. Sand and gravel trucks must now be covered to reduce dust emissions, with additional enforcement of fines to any vehicle not following this.
Penalties and Pollution Reduction Efforts
In recent enforcement action, the authorities have issued a fine of 296 vehicles totaling ₹592,000 and impounded 102 vehicles for not adhering to the air quality standard. Lahore has inducted 30 electric buses and is enhancing its services for electric bikes to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. However, the Punjab Safe City Authority is issuing e-challans for high emission vehicles and encouraging an environmentally friendly transition in transportation, by working with Indian Punjab Cross-Border.
Asserting the collaborative nature of pollution, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed a willingness to work with Indian Punjab for the resolution of the environmental crisis. Underlining that the problem is a humanitarian issue, she said, "Air knows no borders," and only collective efforts by both Punjabs would bring in sustainable change.
A Call to Action Now
To be implemented in Lahore is Green Lockdown, with which the city will reduce dangerous levels of pollution within the city. This is one very bold step that the city's government has taken for the fight against the increasingly rife public health issue. However, authorities believe by this joint action across borders, both Punjab regions would enjoy improved air quality.
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