Key Takeaways
- Rawalpindi has intensified monitoring and public awareness activities to tackle air pollution.
- The campaign includes inspections and warnings to shopkeepers and traders about littering and burning garbage.
- Traffic police have launched a crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles contributing to smog.
The Suthra Punjab Agency (SPA) Rawalpindi has intensified its efforts to combat rising air pollution and smog in the city. Under the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an anti-smog awareness campaign was conducted in various areas of Rawalpindi.
According to the SPA, an anti-littering squad conducted 430 inspections in different areas and issued 65 warning notices after detecting violations. Shopkeepers, traders, and citizens were warned that littering and burning garbage contribute significantly to air pollution, posing risks to public health and the environment.
In Commercial Market, the communication team distributed awareness pamphlets urging citizens to follow cleanliness guidelines and avoid activities that cause excessive smoke emissions. Officials emphasized that controlling smog is a collective responsibility, involving government departments, citizens, traders, and administrators of commercial centers.
Meanwhile, the traffic police launched a large-scale crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles that cause environmental pollution and contribute to smog. Special squads and checking teams have been constituted to inspect such vehicles at bus stands and entry and exit points of the city.
Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi, Farhan Aslam, stated that vehicles emitting excessive smoke would not be allowed to enter the city. Such vehicles would face heavy fines and be impounded at police stations until their fitness certificates are issued. Strict action would also be taken against trolleys operating without tarpaulins or proper covers, as well as other loader vehicles spreading dirt and waste on roads.
According to a survey report cited by the traffic police, smoke-emitting vehicles contribute between 40 and 83 percent of smog, besides polluting the environment and increasing the risk of road accidents. The CTO urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and comply with environmental and traffic regulations to help curb air pollution and smog in Rawalpindi.
The traffic police education wing has also been activated to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of environmental pollution and smog. The wing will conduct awareness activities at educational institutions, government and private organizations, and along major roads, using pamphlets and other means to educate citizens about preventive measures.
