The Suthra Punjab Agency (SPA) Rawalpindi has intensified monitoring and public awareness activities across the city to tackle rising air pollution and growing smog risks.
On the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, an anti-smog awareness campaign was conducted in Shakrial, Faizabad, Pirwadhai, Girja Road and Commercial Market under the supervision of SPA Rawalpindi Managing Director Rana Sajid Safdar.
According to the department, the agency’s anti-littering squad conducted 430 inspections in different areas and issued 65 warning notices after detecting violations.
During the campaign, shopkeepers, traders and citizens were warned that throwing waste in public places and burning garbage in the open contribute significantly to air pollution, posing serious risks to public health and the environment.
The communication team also distributed awareness pamphlets among citizens in Commercial Market, urging them to follow cleanliness guidelines, dispose of waste at designated places and avoid activities that cause excessive smoke emissions.
Officials stressed that controlling smog was not solely the responsibility of government departments, and that citizens, traders and administrators of commercial centers must also play their role in protecting the environment.
SPA Rawalpindi said it would continue regular inspections, public awareness campaigns and enforcement measures to reduce air pollution and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.
Meanwhile, traffic police launched a large-scale crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles that cause environmental pollution and contribute to smog.
A traffic police spokesperson said the action was being taken on the directions of Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Farhan Aslam. Special squads and checking teams have been constituted to inspect smoke-emitting vehicles at bus stands and at entry and exit points of the city.
The CTO said vehicles emitting excessive smoke would not be allowed to enter the city. Such vehicles would face heavy fines and be impounded at police stations until their fitness certificates are issued. Strict action would also be taken against trolleys operating without tarpaulins or proper covers, as well as other loader vehicles spreading dirt and waste on roads.
According to a survey report cited by the traffic police, smoke-emitting vehicles contribute between 40 and 83 percent of smog, besides polluting the environment and increasing the risk of road accidents.
CTO Aslam said the traffic police education wing had also been activated to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of environmental pollution and smog. The wing would conduct awareness activities at educational institutions, government and private organizations and along major roads, using pamphlets and other means to educate citizens about preventive measures.
The CTO urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and comply with environmental and traffic regulations to help curb air pollution and smog in Rawalpindi.
The post Rawalpindi Starts Anti-Smog Action Against Smoke-Emitting Vehicles appeared first on ProPakistani.