Amid worsening smog conditions in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued comprehensive guidelines aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and reducing sources of pollution.

Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb highlighted the severity of the smog crisis, urging the public to report pollution violations to the EPA hotline (1373).

Special instructions have been given to prevent children with respiratory or other health problems from attending school, with mandatory online classes in special education settings.

In a pioneering move, the Punjab government has introduced a sectoral smog mitigation plan, the first of its kind in the region.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif presented a clear roadmap with assigned targets and deadlines, while personally monitoring the department’s progress through a dedicated smog dashboard over the past six months.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by Dr. (director’s name), took decisive action, demolishing nine furnaces and four industrial units for violating smog regulations.

EPA teams keep watch along the Ravi River at night, checking the filling of sand carts and enforcing environmental regulations on vehicles in key areas, including Thokar Niaz Baig.

To combat smog, the Punjab government has imposed a ‘green lockdown’ in the green ring area of ​​Shimla Hills, where the air quality index (AQI) has reached dangerous levels of 229.

All parking was banned near government buildings, including the NADRA office, and construction activities were prohibited. Two barbecue restaurants on Durand Road were closed last night for violating anti-smog regulations.

Additionally, 40,00,000 trees have been planted across Punjab, with digital monitoring ensuring their survival.

The authorities inspected 170 smog-emitting vehicles, imposed 60 fines and collected penalties amounting to Rs. 120,000. Inspections of diesel generators have also started as per environmental SOPs.