In Lahore, the intensity of SMOG has reached alarming levels, significantly impacting public health and visibility. Despite the urgent need for SMOG control measures, the local administration appears unable to effectively address the air pollution crisis. Instead, their primary focus has shifted to strict enforcement actions against businesses, including arresting shopkeepers and sealing shops for non-compliance with operating hours.
The Punjab government has faced severe criticism for its inability to control the hazardous SMOG levels in Lahore. Despite the worsening air quality, the Chief Minister is currently on a personal foreign trip, leaving 140 million residents of Punjab without leadership during this critical time.
To mitigate SMOG, the district administration has ramped up efforts to enforce an 8 PM shutdown of outdoor dining in markets and restaurants, aiming to reduce activity on the streets that could contribute to air pollution. However, these measures have faced criticism, as they appear to target small business owners and are seen as inadequate in addressing the root causes of SMOG, such as emissions from vehicles, factories, and crop burning in nearby areas.
SMOG Crisis in Lahore: Local Administration’s Actions
In Lahore, the SMOG has reached alarming levels, yet local administration efforts have focused on strict actions like arresting shopkeepers and sealing businesses instead of effectively tackling the SMOG itself. The administration has intensified enforcement efforts to close outdoor dining in markets and restaurants by 8 PM.
Enforcement Actions and Violations
The Lahore district administration took action on 46 violations, registering 3 cases, issuing final warnings to 5 shops, and sealing 41 others. Each division in Lahore continues operations without discrimination.
Shalimar Division
In Shalimar Division, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Anam Fatima led an operation, sealing 10 shops for operating outside permitted hours and one hotel for violating the outdoor dining restrictions.
City Division
Under Assistant Commissioner Babar Ali Rai, six shops and one restaurant were sealed in City Division, with another restaurant in Food Street also closed for breaching outdoor dining rules.
Model Town Division
Assistant Commissioner Sahibzada Muhammad Yousaf took action in Model Town Division, sealing three shops on the spot.
Cantonment Division
In Cantonment, Assistant Commissioner Fatima Arshad’s inspection found 80% compliance with restrictions, but three shops and two restaurants were still sealed for violating hours, with shopkeepers detained and handed over to the police.
Other Divisions
Assistant Commissioner Tariq Bashir in Ravi Division and Assistant Commissioner Zainab Tahir in Raiwind led enforcement operations, sealing multiple shops and restaurants for non-compliance.
Health Advisories Amid SMOG
The Deputy Commissioner has urged residents to take precautions during the SMOG. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear masks, and protect children, the elderly, and those with health conditions from SMOG exposure. Precautions against respiratory issues are essential, and unnecessary vehicle use is discouraged to mitigate SMOG risks.
