By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Clouds of smog have covered the city of Lahore. Citizens are facing difficulty in breathing, sore throat and irritation in the eyes.
The seven cities of Pakistan are at the forefront of environmental pollution. Multan is at the top in air pollution with a score of 2135, Lahore is second with a score of 764, Peshawar is third with a score of 290, and Islamabad is fourth with a score of 245.
The city of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haripur is fifth with 219 score, Rawalpindi is sixth with 192 score and Karachi is seventh with 106 score. Wind speed around Lahore is 11 km and near Multan is 7 km.
Smog is forecast to worsen next week, meteorologists have warned . The Punjab government has closed parks, entertainment centers, museums for 10 days due to the intensity of smog .
The ban will be in effect from November 8 to November 17. Violation can be punishable by arrest, fine under the Environment Act.
Anti-smog operations of the Punjab government are also continuing. All vehicles used for transportation should be covered with tarpaulin, strict implementation of the administration’s order continues .
The people especially the parents are requested not to leave their homes, not to let their children leave their homes, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb appealed.
Not going to school does not mean a picnic, protect your life and the lives of people around you by following precautionary measures.
Inspection of generators installed in private institutions in Lahore, action against smoke-emitting generators and vehicles.
Around 47 vehicles were closed, challans for 31 vehicles, fines of 5 lakh 50 thousand were imposed.
Food stalls and outlets inspected, many flagged for violating environmental laws.
