New App to control smog to be launched

LAHORE: Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb said that as per Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s instructions, a new App would be introduced to raise awareness about anti-smog campaigns and use of plastic bags would be banned from June 6. She said this while chairing a meeting on Wednesday.

Addressing the meeting, the senior minister said industries complying with international environmental standards would be honoured with CM Green Office Awards. Under the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, factories contributing to air pollution were now under the government's scrutiny.

She said that directions were issued to digitise the brick industrial system for a better air quality index. The CM was serious about implementing practical measures to combat smog. In line with the practical approach of the Punjab government, a three-month timeline has been set for the installation and monitoring of emission controllers in divisional industrial zones, she added.

Senior minister emphasised that quality life is everyone’s right and strict crackdowns will be imposed on those contributing to air pollution. Additionally, an agreement was reached during the meeting to sign a cross-border one-on-one agreement with India. Under the environmental-friendly vision of the chief minister, directives have been issued to implement a mechanism of monitoring crop harvesting using machines instead of burning, to avoid crop burning.

Directives were given to establish Environment Climate Change Councils in all educational institutions to groom environment ambassadors among students. Furthermore, a task has been assigned to implement practical measures for the management of hospital waste.