Remote emission scanning to boost anti-smog fight

The Punjab government has decided to introduce a vehicle emission scanning system in Lahore to monitor pollution. Under the proposed system, remote-sensing devices will be installed at nine major entry points of the city. The devices will scan vehicle emissions without stopping them. They will measure pollutants in exhaust emissions during driving and record information, including the vehicle registration number, speed, acceleration and scanning time. Officials said the system would help identify high-emission vehicles. Vehicles identified through remote sensing could undergo detailed testing and legal action where violations are established. A portable emission measurement system will be used to conduct detailed checks on selected vehicles and verify remote-sensing results. The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency will establish a vehicle emission testing unit as part of the initiative. Provincial Environment Secretary Salwat Saeed has stressed the use of technology to improve monitoring of emissions. She said reliable data would help authorities strengthen the enforcement of environmental regulations and assess pollution trends in the metropolis. Officials have been examining technical requirements, measurement accuracy, pollution parameters, vehicle speed limits, data recording and integration with camera systems for the proposed network. The department has also expanded technology-based monitoring of other pollution sources.