Smog control room established in parts of Punjab

LAHORE: A smog control room has been established in Punjab’s capital to combat smog that causes health hazards.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam established a smog control room in different areas of Lahore during the winter season to combat smog has been started.

Through this room, a regular check on crop burning, emissions of transports, brick kilns, and cross-border emissions will be monitored. Malik Amin said much-needed technology has been provided to farmers to help them avoid burning of paddy crop residue and instead convert the residue into organic fertilizer for boosting fertility of their farmlands.

He said technology is also being introduced across the country under the government’s project for Mechanized Management of Rice Crop Residue for which thirty billion rupees are being spent for disbursement of 50,000 units of rice straw shredder.

Smog is leading to various diseases including lung problems, hypertension, and mental illness. The smog is forcing citizens to take precautionary measures as there is no sign of a reduction in the past few days.

Health experts have advised people, especially children, and elderly people, to remain indoors and take more liquids. The smog is caused by a lack of rain and immense pollution. Smoke from vehicles, factories, and burning of the remains of crops could one of the major factors behind the dense smog.