SAIMA SAEED BRIEFED ABOUT DEPARTMENTS PROGRESS
OUR CORRESPONDENT
LAHORE
Secretary EPD Saima Saeed chaired the preliminary meeting at committee room of the department on Friday to review department progress especially measures taken to prevent the situation of SMOG and violations from Brick Kiln’s owners. During briefing to the Secretary, DG EPD told that according to action SMOG plan, responsibilities given to all relevant departments and Federal also approved a summary move from Punjab Government, in which mentioned that electric & Hybrid vehicles especially city buses and E-Rickshaws to be introduced from January 2020, loan at a discounted rate of 6% for brick-kilns by state bank for zigzag technology, duty-free imports of scrubbers for steel furnaces and local refinery to be upgraded in 3 years.
Deputy Director Mian Aijaz told that the draft regulatory act has been formulated for the eradication of polythene bags and use of disposable plastic items and the draft act would be presented to the legislative committee of the Punjab cabinet for approval in the next few days. Director Naseem told to the Secretary that the Punjab government is ensuring the provision of financial assistance for the installation of clean production technology in industries causing pollution and promotion of green investment through Punjab Green Development Programme. Secretary Saima Saeed said awareness campaign to prevent smog should be enhanced because smog badly disrupted daily life, therefore a sustainable policy to prevent it to be devised. She also advised to alert all the concerned staff of the department to visit on a daily basis especially those areas, where complaints are coming regarding smoke emissions from kilns. All the concerned officers of the department were present in the meeting.