Government sets eyes to revamp Punjab

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf’s 100-day plan for Punjab encompasses many reforms in education, health, housing, and environment sectors.
Tackling the issue of smog on priority, Punjab government has divided the province in three zones to cater to the worsening environmental condition.
These zones are categorized as Green, Yellow and Red, according to Environment Protection Department of Pakistan.
Authorities related to environmental protection in Punjab announced that the “Brick Kilns” using imperfect fuel would not be allowed to operate anymore; however, those who follow the suggested zig-zag technology can continue their operations.
The green zone comprises districts of Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Layyah, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Khushab, where no brick kilns will be shut down.
The red zone includes Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Multan, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Narowal where no brick kilns will be allowed to operate.
In the yellow zone, authorities will take action according to the smog formation. This zone includes Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Lodharan, Muzaffargarh, Sialkot, Pakpattan, Vehari, Jhang, Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh districts.
Every year, with the start of winter season, smog causes chaos in many parts of Pakistan — mostly in Punjab and in its densely populated provincial capital, Lahore.
Meanwhile, in further efforts to revamp Punjab province, city administration has been requested not to sell fuel to bikers without helmets.
The Punjab traffic police suggested wrote a letter to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore on Saturday to have the city administration take petrol station owners on board in this drive.
The step aims to protect people from accidents and air pollution.

Government sets eyes to revamp Punjab