ISLAMABAD: The city managers on Wednesday said that smog situation in Islamabad was under control as Air Quality Index (AQI) of Islamabad was recorded at 192 , but called for collective measures and effective coordination from all relevant stakeholders to improve the air quality in the capital city.

A meeting was held here at Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) headquarters with the CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa in the chair to address the smog situation in Islamabad and discuss measures to improve the city’s air quality.

The meeting was attended by senior officers, including IG Police, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) DG, DG Environment (Ministry of Climate Change), Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and officer of CDA’s Environment Wing.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Islamabad is 192 on Wednesday on the basis of Particulate Matter PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO).

“The smog situation is under control in Islamabad as per the current AQI issued by Pak EPA. It was decided that EPA would officially release AQI on regular basis. During the meeting, DG Pak-EPA briefed the meeting about the current smog situation, major hot spots and areas for emissions and a road map for improving the air quality index of Islamabad,” says a press release issued by CDA after the meeting.

It said that during the meeting it was briefed that there are no major industrial emissions in the city and there is a check on emissions from the industrial sector in Islamabad and are being monitored for use of environment friendly technology.

In order to control vehicular emissions, the meeting decided to ensure vehicle fitness certifications for all vehicles in the Capital. “It was decided to follow a zero-tolerance policy and launch a crackdown for vehicles emitting smokes. The FIRs will be registered against non-compliant vehicle owners especially for heavy vehicles and bus owners,” the press release said.

It said that the meeting also decided to carry out monitoring of border areas of Islamabad and the hot spot areas which will be closely watched for emission control by the departments concerned.

It was decided to sprinkle water on construction and development to minimise dust pollution.

The meeting observed that there is no major emissions from crop residue burning in Islamabad. The meeting decided to monitor the hotspot areas regularly to prevent waste burning and fire burning on the dumping points will also be kept under watch.

The meeting also decided that the brick kilns in Islamabad which are not complying with the zigzag technology will be shut down permanently. In this connection, Safe City project cameras will be used for monitoring of emissions, the press release said.

The meeting also decided that CDA Hospital in collaboration with other public sector hospitals of Islamabad will organise a symposium on smog, an awareness walk, featuring posters on the health risks of smog. In this connection, health advisories will also be prepared and issued for the public to adopt preventive measures.

The general public will be sensitised to use masks to minimise exposure to the smog. The meeting also discussed that that a major awareness campaign should be launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Islamabad police FM stations and other relevant departments.

The meeting concluded that the collective measures and effective coordination is required from all relevant stakeholders to improve the air quality in Islamabad and safeguard the health of its residents.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024