Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced a modern solution to combat air pollution and dust in Lahore, drawing inspiration from successful practices in China. The government has decided to install water sprinkling systems at 1,500 construction sites across the city, following a three-week trial period that proved successful.
The technology, developed locally, will help reduce dust and debris at construction sites by spraying water in a fountain-like manner. CM Maryam Nawaz has directed the Communication and Works (C&W) Department and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to implement the system immediately. Additionally, the water sprinkler system will be installed at Qaddafi Stadium by January 15.
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The new initiative also mandates that construction sites cover their areas with green cloth to prevent dust, cement, and soil from spreading. Starting February 10, strict legal action will be taken against sites that fail to follow the water sprinkling procedure. Senator Maryam Aurangzeb highlighted that this move, along with other techniques like misting, would help accelerate the effort to reduce smog and improve air quality.
In addition to these measures, the Punjab government has been working on health and environmental improvements. The health sector faced significant challenges in 2024, with millions of residents suffering from smog-related illnesses. Despite the difficulties, the provincial government launched numerous initiatives to enhance healthcare services, including the Sehat Sahulat Programme and an increase in the health budget.
