FAISALABAD, Nov 30: The district government has directed the environmental protection department and the traffic police to jointly launch a campaign against noise and smoke pollution.

Instructions were issued by convener Raza Nasarullah Ghuman during a session of the district council here on Tuesday. The directive was issued on the motion of Nazim Sharafat Ali Khan who claimed that the traffic police and other departments concerned had failed to control the pollution created by vehicles.

Some councillors also expressed their concern over the issue and asked the chair to direct the departments concerned for immediate measures. The DDO (environment) also briefed the house about the performance of his department and steps taken to reduce the pollution.

He also assured that another campaign would be launched with the help of traffic police. The convener also ordered the environment department to launch campaigns to create awareness among the people about the environment problems.

Minority member Emanuel presented a privilege motion before the house saying that Tarkhani police had arrested him without any justification and kept him in illegal detention for about 26 hours. The convener referred the motion to the Privileges Committee and directed it to decide the matter urgently.

About ill-conceived policies and working of the Divisional Public School, the convener constituted a committee consisting of three councillors to take up the matter and present its report in the house during its next session. The convener adjourned the house till Wednesday.