Faisalabad finalises 7-point pre-smog action plan

Faisalabad Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh has said pre-smog activities have commenced across the division's four districts, with an extensive action plan finalised to address major sources of air pollution ahead of the smog season. Talking to newsmen at his office, the commissioner said the plan focused on seven key measures covering industrial emissions, construction sites, sand trolleys, commercial kitchens, public transport, illegal fat-melting activities and stubble burning. He said live feeds from CCTV cameras installed at industries and incinerators would be provided to the Punjab Clean Air Watch (PCAW) of the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department (EP&CCD) to enable immediate detection of black smoke and prompt action. According to the commissioner, industrial units failing to comply with the requirements by September 30 would be shut down. He said strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) at under-construction road and building sites would also be ensured. A monitoring mechanism for water sprinkling along the under-construction Metro Bus route had been finalised with the involvement of traders' associations in markets located along the route. Sheikh said the participation of the Anjuman-e-Tajran would help monitor compliance with dust-control measures along the route. He added that SOPs for sand trolleys would be strictly enforced, while a deployment plan involving traffic police and the EPA force was being prepared. The commissioner said uncovered sand trolleys would be taken off the roads and impounded after the September 30 deadline. He said locations for storing impounded vehicles were being identified in each district and SOPs would be issued by his office.