Anti-smog SOPs relaxed as AQI improves

LAHORE:As the AQI of the province improved, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lifted smog-related restrictions and allowed construction activities in four districts including Lahore.

In this regard, EPA DG issued a notification here on Monday. He said construction work was now permitted in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Faisalabad while brick kilns that used zig-zag technology will also be allowed to operate. The notification also allowed both public and private offices to function with 100% physical staff presence.

As per the notification, heavy vehicles will be allowed to enter the designated districts from Monday to Thursday but from Friday to Sunday they will be prohibited from entering the above mentioned cities.

Other existing restrictions remained in place, including the mandatory closure of shops, markets and shopping malls by 8:00 pm. However, restaurants can continue offering both indoor and outdoor dining until 10:00pm. The notification also specified that BBQ activities will not be allowed unless equipped with proper hood systems.

Meanwhile, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced a groundbreaking initiative under Chief Minister’s leadership to combat air pollution in Punjab. As part of this effort, 30 advanced air quality monitors are being installed across various cities in the province, with Lahore's monitoring capacity increasing to eight units. The new monitors in Lahore are strategically placed at THQ Kahna, Jiya Bagga Police Station, Shahdara Teaching Hospital, Punjab University, and Wildlife Park, Raiwind. Other cities benefiting from this initiative include Rawalpindi (three monitors), Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, and Sialkot (one monitor each), as well as Multan, Gujranwala, and Bahawalpur (two monitors each).