As winter is now near, it has begun enveloping the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad with smog. Responding promptly to this, the government has rapidly approved the long-planned controls and prevention measures and given orders for implementing them immediately.
Alarming air pollution increased to hazardous levels in Rawalpindi while the air quality index reached the hazardous level at 204 in Pindi and 188 in Islamabad. With alarming pollution levels reported, Murree, Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum were not left behind.
To check smog, the Environment Protection Department and District Administration have started daily crackdowns on vehicles, factories, and brick kilns emitting smog. Tight action has been taken against illegal tire and crop residue burning. Offenders would face legal consequences that include fines of up to Rs0.3 million and arrest.
Different departments have been established with assigned responsibilities. The agriculture department will handle crop burnings, the regional transport authority will be responsible for smoke-emitting vehicles, and the Environment Department will be responsible for smoke-emitting machinery as well as the lack of pollution control technology.
The government has also engaged educated youth in rural areas to help report the incidents of fire. Specialized WhatsApp numbers have been provided for efficient reporting, which enables rapid response from the police. Local bodies are supposed to take action against people who are burning garbage.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has directed all concerned agencies to form teams and begin daily operations in the early morning. The director pointed out that ‘fog-related risks’ have zero tolerance: negligence will be dealt with severely.
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