Lahore: A massive operation has been launched to combat smog across the city. Director General of Environment, Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, has directed all departments to take practical measures instead of issuing mere statements, emphasizing that every institution must play its role in keeping Lahore’s air clean and breathable.emphasising
According to Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, smoke-emitting vehicles are banned from roads starting today. Vehicles without fitness or VICS certificates will be immediately seized. He instructed the traffic police to revise working hours and monitor hotspots to ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution caused by vehicle emissions.
The DG Environment further said that daily water sprinkling on roads and construction sites has been made mandatory to prevent dust from turning into smog fuel. Municipal bodies have been ordered to ensure regular cleaning and sprinkling operations throughout the city.
He warned that there will be zero tolerance for those burning garbage, adding that offenders will face immediate arrest and legal action. Similarly, strict action will be taken against any construction sites violating environmental regulations.
Dr Sheikh added that vehicles transporting soil, sand, or debris without proper covering will be impounded. Repeated warnings have now ended, and strict enforcement has begun. He also announced a zero-tolerance policy against crop residue burning, directing agricultural teams to remain active in the field.
He further emphasised that schools must ensure students and parents wear masks, and the Education Department should take immediate practical steps. Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh concluded that fighting smog requires collective effort, noting that air pollution is no longer just an environmental concern but a serious public health issue.
