Islamabad: A meeting was held at CDA’s headquarters, chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, to address the smog situation in Islamabad and discuss measures to improve the city’s air quality. The meeting was attended by senior officers, including IG Police, DG Pak-EPA, DG Environment (Ministry of Climate Change), DC ICT, and CDA’s Environment Wing.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Islamabad is 192 on 13-11-2024 on the basis of Particulate Matter PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO). AQI is a tool used for reporting daily air quality, which is associated with health concerns. The smog situation is under control in Islamabad as per the current AQI issued by Pak EPA. It was decided that EPA would officially release AQI on regular basis.
During the meeting, DG Pak EPA briefed the meeting about the current smog situation, major hot spots and areas for emissions and a road map for improving the air quality index of Islamabad.
It was briefed that there are no major industrial emissions in the city and there is a check on emissions from the industrial sector in Islamabad and are being monitored for use of environment friendly technology.
In order to control vehicular emissions, it was decided to ensure vehicle fitness certifications for all vehicles in the Capital. It was decided to follow a zero-tolerance policy and launch a crackdown for vehicles emitting smokes. The FIRs will be registered against non-compliant vehicle owners especially for heavy vehicles and bus owners.
The meeting decided to carry out monitoring of border areas of Islamabad and the hot spot areas which will be closely watched for emission control by the concerned departments. It was decided to sprinkle water on construction and development to minimize dust pollution.
It was observed that there is no major emissions from crop residue burning in Islamabad. It was decided to monitor the hotspot areas regularly to prevent waste burning and fire burning on the dumping points will also be kept under watch.
In this connection, Safe City project cameras will be used for monitoring of emissions.
The brick kiln which are not complying with the zigzag technology will be shut down permanently.
During the meeting, it was decided that a major awareness campaign should be launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Islamabad police FM stations and others relevant. The CDA Hospital in collaboration with other public sector hospitals of Islamabad will organize a symposium on smog, an awareness walk, featuring posters on the health risks of smog. In this connection, health advisories will also be prepared and issued for the public to adopt preventive measures. The general public will be sensitized to use masks to minimize exposure to the smog.
The meeting concluded that the collective measures and effective coordination is required from all relevant stakeholders to improve the air quality in Islamabad and safeguard the health of its residents.
