Punjab Gives Deadline to Smoke-Emitting Vehicles

Punjab’s Environment Department has decided to take strict action against commercial and construction vehicles in an effort to curb air pollution and smog, officials said.

Director General Environment Punjab Musa Raza visited the Jinnah Terminal at Thokar Niaz Baig and the Saggian entry points, where he reviewed vehicle checks and the province’s anti-smog campaign in Lahore.

During the visit, he directed officials to give owners and transporters of smoke-emitting commercial vehicles a final seven-day deadline to improve vehicle fitness.

He warned that after the deadline, authorities will take indiscriminate action under a zero-tolerance policy.

The crackdown will not be limited to transport vehicles. It will also cover industrial labour transport, courier services, delivery vans, bakery supply vehicles and all commercial vehicles entering Lahore daily.

Raza also issued strict instructions for tractor-trolleys and other vehicles carrying construction material. He said all such vehicles must receive seven-day notices and fully follow fugitive dust standard operating procedures.

He made it clear that no vehicle will be allowed into Lahore unless construction material is fully covered. If any vehicle violates the rules, officials will seize the material on the spot, impound the vehicle for three days and impose a heavy fine on the responsible persons.

Raza said the Punjab government will not compromise on air pollution and smog. He added that all relevant departments will continue coordinated action to provide cleaner air to citizens and reduce environmental pollution.