In order to combat smog, the Punjab government has decided to take action against factories causing air and environmental pollution. Under Section 144, burning of crop residue and garbage would be banned and old technology coal-fired brick kilns will also be closed across the province. This was decided in the meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Punjab Yusaf Naseem Khokhar at Civil Secretariat on Tuesday.
The Chief Secretary said there is a need to adopt preventive measure and enhance awareness to mitigate the factors behind smog. He said use of substandard fuel in factories and burning of crop stubble and garbage would not be allowed in any case.
He directed all the relevant departments to strictly implement the instructions on smog control, warning that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard. He also urged people to play their role in efforts to protect the environment. The Special Secretary Home Department told the meeting that the Punjab Home Department has imposed section 144 in the province, banning burning of crop residue, municipal solid waste, tyres, plastic, rubber and leather items etc.
The Secretary Environ-ment told the meeting that old-technology-used-brick kilns would be kept closed during the time to be determined in consultation with stakeholders and only new Zig Zag technology brick kilns would be allowed to operate. Strict action would be taken against the violators, he added.