LAHORE, June 24: The government will grill the industries in northern Lahore for being partly responsible for corrosion of historical monuments — Shalamar Gardens, Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort — and causing multiple diseases among residents of the area.

According to a Unesco study, the smoke from industries in the area coupled with that emitted by diesel-run heavy vehicles using the Badami Bagh bus stand or the Circular Road is gradually discolouring and corroding these historical sites.

The industrial smoke containing sulphur dioxide and other hazardous fumes is largely affecting structural components of Mughal-era architecture, yellowing their white marble and blackening their red-brick pillars and roofs.

Medical experts say the smoke and the dust released into the air by the furnaces and marble-cutting units is causing ENT, lungs and skin-related diseases among the residents of nearby localities.

Hundreds of citizens have submitted complaints with the relevant authorities against the nuisance being caused by the industrial units.

The city district government has, in principle, decided to impose section 144 for at least curbing burning of tyres by over 250 steel furnaces mostly located in a small area of Shadipura, Misri Shah and Shadbagh. The law prescribes three-year jail term for violators.

District environment officer Tariq Zaman says with the help of nazims and councillors many industrial units, including the furnaces and the marble factories, had been fined for violations. But, he said, the action failed to eliminate the polluting practices.

“The measure failed to check the menace though the polluters were slapped Rs250,000 fine just during the last three months, forcing the authorities to look out for other management means.”

Zaman says keeping in view the fact that the units employing a large number of people are difficult to be shifted outside the city limits, a new project has been envisaged to treat the emissions from these units and the owners are ready to cooperate.

“The issue is so serious that we are giving priority to the project, which is likely to be launched within three months,” he says.

Funds for the project will be apportioned in the new city budget, and the district development committee is likely to approve release of tenders for hiring a consultant for it in early July, he adds.

The project includes studying the problem, suggesting remedial measures as well as fabricating a chimney or scrubber for treating the emissions from these units.

Zaman says the design of the scrubber will fit all these industrial units regardless of their size.