Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) have launched a coordinated campaign to tackle smog and improve air quality in the federal capital.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired jointly by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zeb Ali at the CDA Headquarters. The session was attended by senior officials from the ICT Administration and other relevant departments.
The meeting reviewed measures to curb air pollution caused by brick kilns, industrial units, and vehicular emissions. Authorities set October 20 as the final deadline for all brick kilns to shift to zig-zag technology, which significantly reduces smoke and particulate emissions. The CDA chairman warned that strict legal action would be taken against kiln owners failing to comply after the deadline, including closure and dismantling of non-compliant units.
Randhawa directed that a joint enforcement strategy be adopted by the ICT and Rawalpindi administrations, particularly for kilns operating near the boundary areas of the two districts. He further instructed that open-air waste burning be completely banned, and cases be registered against violators under environmental laws.
The meeting was informed that five certified laboratories are operational in Islamabad to test vehicle carbon emissions, and that the transport, industrial, and construction sectors are being closely monitored to reduce pollutants.
Randhawa also emphasized ensuring water sprinkling at all development sites and the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) listed in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to minimize dust and air pollution.
The CDA chairman reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to working closely with environmental agencies to ensure compliance with clean air standards and protect public health as smog season approaches.
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