The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab has issued a smog alert for several cities in the province, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sahiwal, following a sharp increase in air pollution levels.
According to PDMA officials, air quality has deteriorated significantly, posing serious health risks to citizens. The authority warned that smog formation is likely to intensify in the coming days due to rising pollution and weather conditions.
The PDMA has imposed a complete ban on burning solid waste, tires, plastic, polythene bags, rubber or leather, crop residue, and household garbage to curb rising smog levels across Punjab.
Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia has issued special directives to all concerned departments to implement immediate and strict anti-smog measures. He emphasized that district administrations must ensure compliance with government orders to curb pollution and protect public health.
Under the directives, strict monitoring of industrial emissions, vehicular smoke, and crop residue burning has been ordered. Authorities have been instructed to take legal action against violators contributing to smog formation.
The PDMA also appealed to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, limit outdoor activities, and wear masks to reduce exposure to polluted air. Citizens are urged to report any environmental violations, such as burning waste or fields, to local authorities.
