Lahore:( The COW News Digital)- Punjab has rolled out 38 air quality monitoring systems to track pollution levels across the province. The decision was approved during a Smog Steering Committee meeting chaired by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, where officials agreed on steps to tackle rising environmental concerns.
According to the briefing, twelve drone squads and eight e-squads have already begun work to monitor pollution. Plans have also been finalized to keep a three-kilometer stretch around motorways smog-free. Officials further said that “light code” technology will be used for smog detection, while farmers will be provided modern machinery for rice harvesting to reduce smoke emissions.
The committee approved increasing the number of super seeders to 5,000 and directed authorities to ensure colored waste bins are placed in all schools by October 31. Punjab’s first air quality calendar, covering September to December, was also given the green light.
Aurangzeb instructed that the number of air quality monitors should be raised from 38 to 41, with reports released every eight hours. She also announced that vehicles failing to fix engines after three penalties would be taken off the road. A new “liquid tree” plantation project was also approved as part of the province’s clean air initiative.
The minister stressed that schools and businesses would be closed if light indicators showed dangerous smog levels. She urged citizens to play their role in protecting the environment while media organizations were asked to raise public awareness
