Government officers to use bicycles for commuting

In an ongoing effort to combat rising smog levels in Rawalpindi, the district administration is intensifying its crackdown on sources of air pollution, including industrial units, vehicles, and brick kilns. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema revealed a unique proposal to address the issue, suggesting a pilot project aimed at encouraging government employees to commute using bicycles.

According to a news report by Express Tribune, in the initial phase a selected number of employees, ranging from five to ten individuals from each government office, will be required to regularly commute to work using bicycles. The focus will particularly be on younger government employees, with the intention of promoting their well-being and discouraging the use of cars and motorcycles for daily commuting.

As part of this initiative, the district administration plans to organize a cycle rally to raise awareness about combating smog and air pollution. This campaign aims to reduce the overall volume of vehicles on the roads by promoting bicycle usage and creating bike-friendly streets, ultimately contributing to improved air quality.

Simultaneously, the district administration continues its rigorous operation targeting smoke-emitting vehicles, industrial units, and brick kilns. Cheema emphasized that accountability measures would be enforced without exceptions.

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Fifteen industrial units emitting smoke have already incurred penalties totaling Rs 0.9 million. Additionally, fines amounting to Rs 350,000 have been imposed on 30 brick kilns, with two kilns facing closure due to their environmental impact. Over 3,370 vehicles have received challans for emissions, resulting in fines of Rs 1.928 million.

Cheema highlighted the anticipated benefits of these measures, including cost savings, improved public health, and a substantial reduction in air pollution.

Furthermore, Ibrahim Hasan Murad, the provincial caretaker transport minister, announced plans to introduce electric bikes as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative.

Government employees may have access to electric bikes through leasing arrangements. Murad also revealed the use of surveillance cameras from the Safe City project to identify smoke-emitting vehicles, with owners facing punitive actions.