The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday issued a notification declaring Lahore a calamity-hit city due to smog. The notification, which was also produced in the Lahore High Court (LHC), lays out the measures to be taken to control smog. According to it, there will be a ban on all the activities that cause smog across the province. Special teams will be formed to control smog, and a crisis room will be established in the PDMA office. Industries that emit black smoke will be closed, and schools will be bound to buy buses to reduce emissions. The deputy commissioners will take all necessary steps to control smog in their areas. Setting crop residue on fire shall be strictly prohibited. A stern action will be taken against crop burning, and the deputy commissioner concerned will be held responsible. Vehicles and industries that pollute the environment will also be dealt with sternly. A smooth flow of traffic will be ensured. Those responsible for encroachments and wrong parking will be dealt with an iron hand. Smog advisory will be issued through departments concerned.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP