Anti-smog crackdown intensifies: over 16,000 vehicles fined in Lahore

LAHORE: Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has once again stressed the need for launching awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to use face masks as a protective measure against the adverse effects of smog.

Stressing the importance of a comprehensive strategy, he proposed the mandatory inclusion of mask-wearing in a special programme.

These remarks were made during his chairmanship of a meeting convened to assess the progress of anti-smog measures on Monday.

The meeting included a presentation on actions taken against crop residue burning, with Commissioner Randhawa asserting the necessity of strict measures against those violating anti-smog parameters.

Drive against smog in Lahore

Notably, cases were registered, and actions were taken against six industrial units in the North Lahore and Mahmood Booti areas.

Commissioner Lahore directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in the Lahore division to ensure the effective implementation of anti-smog measures.

Specifically, he urged DCs in Nankana and Sheikhupura to enhance monitoring and promptly address instances of crop burning.

In the course of anti-smog operations, a total of 16,812 vehicles received challans, resulting in fines totalling Rs30.29 million.

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The briefing to the commissioner revealed that 7,733 vehicles and 1,760 uncovered trolleys were impounded during anti-smog operations.

Additionally, the fitness certificates of 12,971 vehicles were scrutinised at general hold-ups, and vehicles emitting smoke were impounded in collaboration with the Excise Department.

According to The News, collaborative efforts by MCL, LDA, and district administration led to an anti-encroachment operation at 32 key locations in the city.

Commissioner Randhawa highlighted that this operation aimed to enhance traffic flow by eliminating encroachments at busy points.

Citizens were encouraged to report smog-related concerns via the helpline number.

Commissioner Randhawa assured citizens that prompt action would be taken within 24 hours upon receiving reports of factors contributing to smog.