On Wednesday, the Punjab government declared a ‘green lockdown’ across key areas of Lahore in a new effort to curb rising pollution. This measure aims to address severe smog levels that have affected daily life.
According to a government-issued notification, the lockdown restricts activities in several areas, including Davis Road, Kashmir Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Abbott Road (from Shimla Pahari to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (from Shimla Pahari to Railway Headquarters), Queen Road, and Allama Iqbal Road.
Under the new regulations, construction work, the use of commercial generators, and the operation of ching chi rickshaws are prohibited in the affected zones. Restaurants and barbecue vendors are also restricted from operating after 8 p.m.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed plans to contact her Indian Punjab counterpart to address the shared smog crisis. “Smog is a human problem, not a political issue. Effective solutions require joint action from both sides of Punjab,” she remarked.
In light of Lahore’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) readings—peaking at 520 with an average of 198 on Tuesday—the government has advised residents to wear face masks when outdoors. Meanwhile, enforcement efforts include grounding roughly 2,500 vehicles with faulty engines, sealing 469 factories, and demolishing non-compliant brick kilns.
CM Nawaz has directed authorities to rigorously enforce environmental policies to mitigate the smog situation and improve air quality.
Get the latest news and stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.