اردو
  • Punjab fails to collect adequate data on pollution

    Punjab is struggling with poisonous smog file photo Punjab is struggling with poisonous smog

    Environment Protection Department is reported on Tuesday to be lacking required data and statistics to take steps for a cleaner environment at a time when Punjab is struggling with poisonous smog.

    According to a report compiled at a station of air monitoring in Lahore and six laboratories in different cities of Punjab are dysfunctional after equipment worth billions of Rupees was imported in bid to cultivate a cleaner atmosphere.

    Expensive Compact Air Pointers positioned across Punjab are out of use leaving Punjab government with some six units in the province for data which the experts are cynical provide accurate statistics.
    According to a report, the Government of Punjab spent at least Rs 2.13 billion on foreign equiment for the cause in the last ten years. Moreover, an advanced unit of air quality monitoring station that imported from Japan and positioned in Town Hall is out of order.

    It is being reported at a time when life has been crippled by smog in areas of Punjab including the capital city Lahore.

    A rain today in parts of Punjab is to bring some respite for the people, according to Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
    An amalgamation of smog and fog on Punjab highways have caused multiple traffic accidents in the past days causing motorways authorities to keep the facility shut until 10:00am as a winters practice.
    Mohammad Ajmal Shad, a top government meteorologist in Lahore, said Saturday that a three-day spell of rain will likely start Monday and break the smog that has been caused by dust, the burning of crops and industrial and brick kilns.

    Smog has caused poor visibility, leading to highway accidents. Police spokesman Mohammad Imran said movement on the motorways remains suspended in the morning due to ‘zero’ visibility. He said to avoid accidents traffic moves in escorted convoys during the day.