Lahore: Punjab government has imposed an environmental emergency across the province due to the rising level of hazardous smog. Chief Minister (CM) Punjab, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, directed to implement the plan to reduce smog and control the factors causing it. CM Punjab mentioned the Environment Protection Department (EPD), transport, and industries departments to play their part in preventing smog. Parvez Elahi also said that strict action would be taken against entities that set the crops on fire.
Furthermore, legal action will be taken against smoke-emitting vehicles, and brick kilns shall be converted to zigzag technology to curb the rising level of smog. Punjab Environment Protection Council has also proposed car-free zones in the capital of Punjab, Lahore, and the plantation of more trees to eliminate dust. The council also submitted a suggestion to ban vehicles that are older than thirty years.
Due to the aggravated level of smog, the Lahore High Court has ordered to operate schools only two days a week in Lahore. The verdict was given by Justice Shahid Karim after hearing the petitions of public interest issues.