RAWALPINDI: All four districts of the Rawalpindi Division including Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum have been asked to control environmental pollution to reduce smog during winter.

Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Mehmood directed administrations of the four districts to prevent brick kilns and industrial units in their respective areas to be operational from Nov 1 till Dec 31 along with controlling pollution from transport and burning of waste from crops. After receiving guidelines from the Punjab department, he issued the directive in a meeting held in his office attended by deputy commissioners of the four districts.

The ban on burning of residue from crops was imposed by the Punjab Home department at the request of the agricultural department as dense smog enveloped the province last year in winter harming people’s visibility and health along with causing hurdles in daily routine.

All four administrations have issued directed formation of Anti-Smog Implementation Committees at the district and tehsil level. The purpose of these committees is to provide administrative support for implementation of the policy on smog, create awareness and take action against factories responsible for emission of smoke, vehicles, burning of solid waste and residual materials.

The commissioner asked all provincial and district administration departments to participate in the tree plantation campaign.

Officials from the forest and agricultural department said the government has set a target to plant as many trees as possible, campaigning for which will begin during the next two weeks.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2020