Punjab Government’s Comprehensive Plan to Combat Smog
Chief Minister of Punjab Smog-Free Punjab Under the vision of a “Smog-Free Punjab” initiated by the Chief Minister of Punjab, the Local Government & Community Development Department (LGCD) has rolled out an ambitious and comprehensive action plan. The initiative, named the Punjab Smog Prevention Action Plan 2024, aims to tackle the increasing problem of smog in the province, particularly in urban areas. The following are the key aspects of the plan and its enforcement measures:
Key Elements of the Anti-Smog Campaign:
- Ban on Traditional Kilns:
- The government has strictly prohibited the use of conventional brick kilns, which are major contributors to air pollution due to the uncontrolled burning of coal and other materials.
- Prohibition of Crop Residue Burning:
- Burning of crop residues, which releases large amounts of particulate matter and toxic gases into the air
- Promotion of Environment-Friendly Practices:
- The government is urging farmers to plow their fields using modern, environmentally friendly methods to prevent air pollution.
- Strict Monitoring & Enforcement:
- 18 teams have been formed by LGCD to ensure compliance with the anti-smog. The government has established 795 checkpoints for enforcement and monitoring purposes.
Smog Control Outcomes:
- to reduce air pollution by 34% through immediate and sustained efforts.
- The government is keen to ensure public cooperation to achieve a smog-free environment.
Public Awareness and Reporting:
- Citizens are encouraged to participate by reporting any instances of burning waste or other smog-inducing activities through dedicated helplines and social media platforms.
- The public can use the toll-free helpline 1139 or social media handles like @lgcdpunjab to report violations.
Call for Public Cooperation:
To effectively combat smog, the Punjab government is relying heavily on public cooperation. Through this comprehensive plan, the government envisions a cleaner and healthier environment for all its citizens.
This initiative is a significant step toward addressing environmental pollution and making Punjab a cleaner, healthier province. The public’s active role and adherence to these guidelines will be essential in ensuring the success of the Smog-Free Punjab Vision.
