The Punjab government has brought 38 air quality monitoring systems into operation to strengthen oversight of environmental pollution. The decision was confirmed during a Smog Steering Committee meeting chaired by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb.
According to a briefing, 12 drone squads and eight e-squads have already been deployed, while planning has been finalized to keep a three-kilometer zone around motorways smog-free. The government also approved the use of light code technology for smog detection and the provision of modern harvesting machinery to farmers.
The number of super seeders will be increased to 5,000, and facilities will be provided to move agricultural machinery between districts. The committee further directed that by October 31, color-coded waste bins be installed in all schools across Punjab.
It was also agreed that air quality reports will be issued every eight hours, while monitoring systems will be expanded from 38 to 41 units. Officials stated that repeated non-compliance with engine standards will result in vehicles being barred from the roads.
The committee also approved Punjab’s first air quality calendar, covering September to December, and a new “liquid tree” initiative to reduce pollution in urban centers. Aurangzeb said closures of schools and businesses would be ordered if monitoring systems showed dangerous smog conditions.
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