In preparation for the upcoming smog season, Secretary Environment Protection & Climate Change Department (EP&CCD), Ms. Silwat Saeed, chaired a high-level meeting with senior environmental officials to devise a comprehensive, proactive strategy. The meeting aimed to address critical sources contributing to smog, including vehicular emissions, stubble burning, industrial pollution, and fugitive dust, ensuring coordinated measures and timely interventions to effectively combat smog-related issues in Punjab.
During the meeting, attended by Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, Project Director SP&IU, Mr. Tariq Hussain Bhatti, and Additional Secretary (Technical) Ms. Shumaila Manzoor, discussions centered around early action against factors significantly contributing to seasonal smog. Participants emphasized the importance of preventive measures and early interventions instead of reactive approaches.
Key interventions outlined included targeted enforcement to reduce vehicular emissions, campaigns and monitoring to limit agricultural stubble burning, strict controls on industrial pollution, and management of fugitive dust from construction activities. Through these comprehensive efforts, the department intends to proactively address pollution sources before smog intensifies.
The leadership further underscored the need for stronger implementation of environmental regulations, improved enforcement capabilities, and enhanced coordination across departments. Alongside regulatory interventions, emphasis was also placed on launching effective public awareness campaigns designed to educate citizens about the harmful impacts of smog and their role in reducing pollution.
Reflecting their unified vision, EP&CCD officials reiterated their commitment to fostering greater public involvement, effective institutional collaboration, and timely precautionary measures, ensuring cleaner air and improved public health outcomes across Punjab.
