LAHORE: The Lahore administration imposed a ‘green lockdown‘ in many parts of the city to control the level of toxic smog.
Despite several measures, smog levels remain above 500, and in a decisive move to deal with rising air pollution, Lahore authorities have announced a lockdown in several areas.
Locations include Abbott Road (from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema), Empress Road (from Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters), Queen Mary Road (Durand Road to Allama Iqbal Road) besides Davies Road, Egerton Road and Kashmir Road.
DG Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab Dr. Imran Hamid Shaikh has implemented a “green lockdown” targeting specific pollution spots.
Lahore Green Lockdown
These worst-hit areas of the metropolis will face several restrictions, including a complete ban on construction activities, and rickshaw pullers will not be allowed to enter these areas.
Commercial generators violating Punjab’s environmental standards will also be banned.
All open cooking and BBQ setups must be shut down as soon as possible, food outlets are prohibited from using charcoal, coal, or wood unless equipped with a proper emission control system. Moreover, marriage halls will be closed after 10 pm.
Officials also directed wet sweeping by Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC). Government and private offices operating in these zones are required to implement a work-from-home policy from November 4, 2024, with 50 per cent rotation based on need.
The measures are part of the government’s efforts to tackle the acute air quality crisis affecting the provincial capital, with the aim of protecting public health and reducing pollution levels.
