Lahore, The Punjab government has announced plans to establish an ‘Environment Protection Authority’ to tackle smog and improve environmental quality.

According to Zameen.Com, Marriyum Aurangzeb, the Information Minister, stated that this new authority will focus on enforcing environmental protection regulations effectively. A Smog Monitoring Sectoral Cell has already been established within the Department of Planning and Development, comprising representatives from various departments.

The provincial government has started laying the groundwork for a legal framework that aligns with the environmental vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. An action plan has been developed for the immediate enforcement of environmental regulations across different departments to address smog and related issues.

The Punjab government is also implementing stricter regulations on brick kilns to reduce smog. Non-compliant kilns have already been sealed, and vehicles that emit excessive smoke or have faulty engines must now obtain mandatory fitness certificates. Industries will also be required to install smoke emission control systems to minimize harmful emissions.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Punjab government to improve air quality and address the environmental and health risks posed by smog in the region.