LAHORE: In order to lessen the impact that smog has on the province, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has called for “climate diplomacy” with India.
To combat smog, Punjab in Pakistan and India ought to work together. Due to the direction of the air, stump burning in the Indian Punjab has an effect here. She stated this on Wednesday at a climate change event in this location. “This issue needs to be taken up with India immediately.”
She stated that the Air Quality Index (AQI) was rising, but smog persisted throughout the year, not just from October to February. It is necessary to eliminate obstacles to environmental improvement. The chief minister stated that smog damages eyesight and makes breathing difficult, adding that in the past, schools and offices had to be closed due to the severity of the smog.
To get rid of smog, more than one action is required. The significance of putting an end to smog must be understood by every family and child. She emphasized, “Our children’s health and survival depend on ending smog.”
“Smog cannot be eliminated by simply pressing a button; it requires collective efforts,” the first smog action plan is approved. She added that environmental leaders would be employed in the environmental sector to fully benefit from education and training, and that “everyone should understand the importance of addressing smog.”
She said that schools would teach smog awareness as a subject. She added that a smog awareness campaign would also be held in schools across Punjab from October 15 to November 15.
“To reduce smog, a comprehensive action plan has been developed. She continued, “We don’t want to destroy anyone’s livelihood, but we have to take action against those who harm the environment,” while speaking at the Climate Change Leadership Internship Programme. “Warnings have been issued to brick kilns releasing black smoke, and those violating the warnings have been demolished.” A monitoring room is being used to conduct surveillance, and cameras have been placed in close proximity to industrial chimneys. “The control room immediately calls the industry when smoke is detected,” the CM stated, adding that drone- and CCTV-based digital inspections were also being carried out to monitor the situation.
Additionally, the CM announced that tree plantation would receive one percent of any development project funds. During the period of construction and maintenance, trees would be planted along the sides of roads. She also said that the monthly stipend for interns would be increased from Rs25,000 to Rs60,000.
The environment department was previously regarded as inactive. She asserted, “The environment internship is not just a job; it is a sacred responsibility.”
In the meantime, the CM presided over a meeting of the cabinet standing committee on smog mitigation and climate resilience at which the first smog action plan for Punjab was approved.
