Lahore Waste Management Company Inaugurates Anti-Smog Squad

LWMC CEO said that all resources are being utilised to make Lahore smog-free. Squad will work continuously from 12 noon to 3.00pm to protect citizens from harmful effects of smog.

Lahore Waste Management Company Inaugurates Anti-Smog Squad

Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ali Anan Qamar has inaugurated the anti-smog squad.

The anti-smog squad consisted of mechanical sweepers, a special group of sanitary workers and an enforcement wing. A special team is also part of the anti-smog squad. Lahore Waste Management Company CEO said that all resources are being utilised to make Lahore smog-free. Squad will work continuously from 12 noon to 3.00pm to protect citizens from the harmful effects of smog. According to the Air Quality Index survey, citizens faced severe smog problems between 12 noon to 3.00pm and the LWMC squad will remain active in high-risk areas during this time, he said.

According to a spokesperson for LWMC, High Court Chowk, Kachheri Chowk, Secretariat Chowk, Lahore Press Club Chowk, Punjab Assembly Chowk, Chauburji Chowk, Shah Alam Chowk and Hall Road are among the high-risk areas. In the high-risk areas, mechanical sweeping and washing will continue during day and night shift as well, he added.

LWMC CEO further said that providing a clean and smog-free environment to the citizens of Lahore is our first priority but the citizens should also play their due part in this campaign. He said the scattering and burning of litter is an illegal offense and it will be dealt with according to law. Citizens are requested to avoid burning garbage.

Smog in Lahore is caused by a combination of vehicle and industrial emissions, smoke from brick kilns, the burning of crop residue and general waste, and dust from construction sites. Other factors of air pollution include large scale losses of trees to build new roads and buildings.

The issue of smog in Punjab was first highlighted in 2017 when, following a court order, the Punjab Environment Protection Council approved a Smog Action Plan and adopted an AQI classification system.

Originally published at Pakistan observer