C&W contractors given deadline to improve air quality

LAHORE:For the first time in history, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has issued warning notices to all the private contractors of Communication & Works Department.

The notices were issued on the instructions of Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb under the ongoing anti-smog operation across the province. EPD, in the notices issued to the private contractors of C&W, directed them to implement the anti-smog SOPs and a seven-day deadline has been set to ensure improvement in air quality index.

The minister has said in a statement that if the situation was not changed within seven days, heavy fines will be imposed. She said on the special instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, steps are being taken to control environmental pollution because environmental pollution was a serious challenge. All stakeholders will have to work together to control smog, she said, adding that a grand operation was also going on in Punjab to eliminate the production and sale of black ash produced by burning tires.

EPD officials said in various cities, the action against factories spreading environmental pollution has been accelerated while dozens of factories involved in spreading toxic fumes and chemical pollution by melting tires have been sealed and actions were taken along with the municipal corporation and the district administration. EPD officials said the EPA has shut down pyrolysis plants and it has been decided to expand the scope of action further.

Senior Minister has also released pictures of young and elderly workers working in the pyro plants. The workers of the pyrolysis factories were not provided with any protective equipment, which exposed them to fatal diseases. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that people were suffering from asthma, respiratory and lung diseases due to the smoke generated by burning tires.