Anti-smog measures: ACs made focal persons to check burning of crops residue

LAHORE: Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed action against officers not performing their official responsibilities in a proper manner.

Presiding over a meeting here Tuesday, he appointed ACs as focal persons instead of deputy directors of agriculture department for strict action against burning of crops residue. He said that brick-kilns, functioning without zigzag technology must be demolished; for smog complaints and information, helpline number 042-111-425-725, WhatsApp number 0328-9491760 and social media accounts were made public.

Commissioner said that if the complaint was not resolved within 24 hours, Commissioner office will redress it. He said that the DCs must make stricter monitoring from Nankana and Sheikhupura Motorway regarding stubble burning and take immediate action against the responsible. All pyrolysis should be sealed and if someone make it functional, it must be demolished without hesitation, the Commissioner directed and said 12 teams were established for checking industrial units in North Lahore and Mahmood Booti areas. Squads headed by DCs and DPOs would patrol from Lahore to Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib Motorways at night.

Commissioner said that the environment department would seal the industrial units and it would only be de-sealed by court order. An industrial unit, which de-seals itself after being sealed for violation shall be demolished, he directed.

He said that special branch would identify the teams’ negligence in combating smog and action would be taken accordingly. He said that the DCs would be responsible for the black smoke coming out of the chimney of a factory or a brick-kiln. Another meeting was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner for anti-smog and promotion of healthy activities through cycling culture.

It was informed that Green cycle lane marking was completed on both sides of Istanbul Square to the canal on Mall Road while Green lane from Gulberg MM Alam Road, Noor Jahan to Liberty Cycle Loop was developed. Commissioner said that working was going on to ensure the safety and security of the cyclists.

All food houses will offer special discounts to cyclist customers to promote cycle culture, he said. He directed that cycling lanes and parking stands should be constructed on important parts of Canal Road, Jail Road, Main Boulevard Gulberg and Ferozepur Road.

In the meeting, TEPA and PITB presented their action plans. Commissioner Lahore said that the private sector and big societies should provide cycling facilities to the citizens.