From Abid Usman
LAHORE: In a move to control smog, the Punjab government has decided not to issue M-tags to vehicles without a fitness certificate. As part of smog control measures, vehicles over 30 years old will not be allowed entry into Lahore from October to January, nor will they be permitted to travel on the motorways.
To obtain an M-tag, vehicle owners will now be required to show their vehicle’s fitness certificate along with the registration book and license. Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan explained that this condition was imposed in response to the severe smog conditions, and the Services and General Administration Department has been asked to provide details of government vehicles.
Bilal Akbar Khan further stated that the fitness certificate requirement will first be applied to government vehicles. He emphasised that it was not acceptable for only citizens to be stopped. These regulations would apply to both private and commercial vehicles. Earlier, The Punjab government has decided to cancel the route permit of vehicles emitting smoke and having malfunctioned engines causing pollution.
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz directed the Department of Transport and Police to not allow smoke emitting vehicles with malfunctioned engines to ply on roads.
The Environmental Department banned the entry of heavy vehicles, trucks and buses on Friday and Sunday for the eradication of smoke, pollution and dust.
Six kilns in the Okara, Lodhran, Vehari and Sargodha were demolished while three industrial units, one steel rolling mill, one textile unit and one rice mill were also sealed under the anti-smog campaign. More than one thousand vehicles were checked and around 144 of them were banned. Around 64 trolleys carrying sand were stopped for not following smog rules. Water spray and cleanliness mechanisms were going on to control smog.
Senior Provincial Minister Mariyyum Aurangzeb claimed that anti-smog measures were creating improvement in the smog issue.
xstressed on solid policy and comprehensive measures for better environmental future of the province saying that today’s measure would eradicate smog in 8 to 10 years.
Aurangzeb asserted that a healthy and clean environment would be possible with the cooperation of citizens, the fight against environmental pollution was fought for the protection of people’s lives.
