In a bid to tackle escalating pollution levels, the Punjab government has implemented a “green lockdown” in designated smog hotspots across Lahore, imposing restrictions on barbecue joints, motorcycle rickshaws, and marriage halls. However, air quality experts have criticized these measures as inadequate and poorly planned.
The initiative comes as Lahore continues to rank among the world’s most polluted cities. On Wednesday, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) peaked at 588 at 3 a.m., with levels varying across different areas. Although the AQI dropped to 177 by 8 p.m., it still exceeded international standards for healthy air.
Punjab’s senior minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb, announced in the Punjab Assembly that 11 areas in Lahore had been identified as smog hotspots, with Shimla Hill being the most affected. The “green lockdown” took effect on Thursday.
Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, director general of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, issued the green lockdown notification. The affected areas include major roads such as Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, and others, extending from Shimla Hill to various points in the city.
Under the lockdown, construction activities within a one-kilometer radius of Shimla Hill are banned. Restrictions are placed on the use of commercial generators and Qingqi motorcycle-rickshaws, while open barbecue activities are prohibited after 8 p.m. Food outlets using charcoal, coal, or wood without proper emission control systems must cease operations.
Marquees and marriage halls are required to close by 10 p.m., and the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) will conduct only wet sweeping to reduce dust. Additionally, encroachments will be removed to ensure smooth traffic flow, heavy transport vehicles will face restrictions, and half of office employees will work from home.
The minister also announced plans to establish a “green ring” around the city as part of the Lahore Green Master Plan, using modern technology to create a “wall of trees” to reduce carbon emissions and increase oxygen levels. Every tree will be geo-tagged, and afforestation in industrial areas will be intensified. Collaboration with industries will be prioritized to expand tree plantations, with educational institutions and students participating in a “Green Force” during the three-month smog season.
The government is cracking down on environmental violations, sealing two factories and imposing fines totaling Rs 200,000. Additionally, three brick kilns and four plastic melting plants were demolished, and several food outlets in Model Town were sealed due to excessive smoke emissions. Trolleys carrying sand and soil must now use covers to reduce road dust, while 296 vehicles were fined a total of Rs 592,000, and 102 vehicles were impounded.
To further reduce pollution, the introduction of 30 electric buses and e-bikes in Lahore has been announced. The Punjab Safe Cities Authority is issuing daily e-challans to vehicles emitting excessive smoke and taking action against individuals involved in waste burning.
Despite these efforts, the Pakistan Air Quality Experts’ Group, comprising leading air quality experts, researchers, doctors, and scientists, has criticized the measures as insufficient and unlikely to have a significant impact on reducing air pollution.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif Calls for Joint Efforts with Indian Punjab
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for collaboration with Indian Punjab to combat the shared challenge of smog, emphasizing that the issue is humanitarian rather than political.
“Smog is not a political matter but a human challenge. I have previously called for climate diplomacy with India, and I am considering writing to the chief minister of Indian Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, to seek joint efforts to combat smog,” Ms. Sharif said during a Diwali event in Lahore on Wednesday.
She stressed the need for both countries to unite in addressing the smog crisis, noting that “winds do not recognize borders.” She added, “Unless both Punjabs unite, we will not be able to effectively combat smog.”
