Govt imposes complete ban on Lahore hotspot areas.
Construction activities, Ching-chi rickshaws banned.
Marriage halls ordered to close at 10pm in these areas.
As Lahore battles smog, the Punjab government on Wednesday announced imposing “green lockdown” in air pollution hotspots of the city as precautionary measure.
The development came in light of the bad air pollution in Lahore due to dense smog ahead of the cold weather. On Monday, the city had an air quality index (AQI) of 532 this morning.
Lahore battles pollution each year in winter as temperatures fall and cold air traps construction dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke.
The government has placed restrictions in areas identified as pollution hotspots — Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Kashmir Road, Abbott Road, starting from Shimla Hill to Gulistan Cinema, Empress Road, starting from Shimla Hill to Railway Headquarters and Queen Marry Road, starting from Durand Road to Allama lqbal Road.
According to a notification issued, the government has banned construction activities in the above-mentioned areas, ban on ching-chi rikshaws and commercial generators.
Moreover, a ban has also been imposed on open food cooking points and BBQ points after 8pm, food outlets using charcoal, coal or wood without installation of proper emission control system, marquees and marriage halls after 10pm and on dry sweeping.
“The government as well as private offices, operating in the above mentioned areas, shall make necessary arrangements to switch over to work from home policy (50% on rotation/ need basis),” said the notification, adding that car parking should also be restricted as per guidelines issued from Chief Traffic Officer.
It also said that all the heavy transport vehicles entering these areas will be checked by a special team and no vehicle emitting black smoke will be allowed to enter.
The notification added that the order shall come into force with immediate effect and action would be taken against those who don’t comply.