Punjab Govt bans plastic bags to combat smog: Marriyum

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that smog is a major issue in Punjab, and Lahore's Air Quality Index has reached a dangerous level of 450. Talking to newsmen in Lahore today, she said the problem of smog is increasing and some cities are engulfed in it. She emphasized that efforts are being made for environmental protection and a ban has been imposed on the use of plastic bags in Punjab. The Senior Minister said fitness certificates have been made mandatory for vehicles and motorcycles that contribute to pollution and a zero-tolerance policy for old, polluting vehicles is being enforced. She said actions have been taken in areas like Narowal, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad and Gujranwala for violating ban on stubble burning. Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the Punjab government is providing super seeders to farmers at subsidized rates. She informed the public that a new 1373 helpline has been introduced for the first time, which can be used to report stubble burning. Source: Radio Pakistan