In light of court directives, the mass transit and transport department has developed a new strategy to counter the increasing threat of smog.
As per the instructions issued by the department, light transport vehicles (LTVs) that emit smoke will incur fines of two thousand for the first offense and four thousand for subsequent offenses.
Additionally, there will be no leniency for buses and trucks that emit excessive smoke. Until heavy transport vehicles, including buses and trucks, are fully compliant, they should remain parked. A report detailing the actions taken against these vehicles must be submitted on both a daily and weekly basis.
Moreover, as directed to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and other concerned authorities, a public awareness campaign should be initiated to educate the public about the causes of smog and its detrimental effects.
All DCs should create videos and documentaries showing the actions taken, and the directives read.
For awareness regarding smog remediation, all available media channels should be utilized to inform the public.
Furthermore, Secretary of Transport Ahmad Javed stated that the community is willing to unite in the fight against smog.
Punjab closes schools and colleges in five more divisions amid smog
Earlier in the day, the Punjab government announced the closure of schools and colleges in five more divisions of the province after a dramatic rise in air pollution.
As per details, the increasing smog situation has prompted the provincial government to extend school and college closures to five more divisions.
The Environmental Protection Department notified the closure of educational institutions in the Sargodha, Rawalpindi, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Sahiwal divisions.
According to the directive, all schools from nursery to grade 12, academies, and tuition centers will remain closed from November 13 to 17.
Closures previously imposed in the Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad divisions will also continue, as the Punjab government aims to curb the severe environmental impact on public health.
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