The Commissioner stated that violating industrial units, brick kilns, and transportation should be dealt with harshly.
Saqib Mana, Commissioner of Rawalpindi Division, has directed the authorities to take strict action against smog Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) violators in order to overcome the factors causing smog and accelerate the conversion of brick kilns to modern technology.
According to a spokesperson for the Commissioner’s Office, 3,559 smoke-emitting vehicles were issued challan slips, and a fine of over Rs 2.1 million was imposed on violators in Rawalpindi district over the last month.
In addition, an industrial unit was closed for violating environmental laws, and a fine of Rs 100,000 was imposed.
During the anti-smog operations, 62 brick kilns in Rawalpindi district, 27 in Chakwal, and 18 in Attock were sealed, and FIRs were filed against 73 rule violators. In the division, total penalties totaling Rs 6.4 million were imposed, he added.
The Commissioner directed that the conversion of the brick kilns be expedited and that all kilns be converted to new technology as soon as possible. The Commissioner stated that violating industrial units, brick kilns, and transportation should be dealt with harshly.
The crackdown should be stepped up, and those who cause smog by burning crop residue and driving smoke-emitting vehicles should be prosecuted.
The Commissioner also stated that brick kilns of old technology should be instructed to convert to new technology as soon as possible, and that geo-tagging of all registered kilns should be completed as soon as possible in order to protect people from air pollution and diseases.
He stated that action should be taken against rule SOPs violators who cause smog without discrimination.
The officials in charge were also told to keep an eye on the industrial units in their respective areas and to penalise brick kilns that do not use modern technology. The Commissioner also stated that efforts were being made to take action against stone crushers, brick kilns, and vehicles that emit smoke.
According to district administration officials, an awareness campaign was also launched across the district to inform citizens about the negative effects of smog and their role in mitigating it.
Efforts were being made to improve the effectiveness of the awareness campaign so that citizens could also help mitigate the effects of the smog.
The District Emergency Officer (DEO) of Rawalpindi has advised drivers to take all precautionary measures in the event of fog. He advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy periods.
Keep their vehicles’ fog lights on and drive slowly, keeping a reasonable distance between vehicles. He also urged people not to park their cars on the side of the road.
Tamoor Khan, Rawalpindi’s Chief Traffic Officer, urged residents to take precautions and follow traffic rules during the smog season. He also advised drivers to install dense fog lights on their vehicles and to keep vehicles at a greater distance from each other during smog season.