LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The government said that it took swift action to curb the air pollution produced by burning tires, adding dozens of factories sealed across various cities in the province. Key propeller was the Punjab government which as a province was most hit by the smog in last few years.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with municipal corporations and district administrations, is leading operations in cities like Lahore, Sheikhupura, and Mureedke. Burning tires releases harmful chemical fumes, leading to serious health risks including cancer, officials said. The EPA has shut down pyrolysis plants and wants to broaden its operations.
Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has highlighted the lack of protective equipment for workers in these factories, exposing them to deadly diseases. The toxic smoke from burning tires is causing asthma, respiratory, and lung diseases among Punjab’s residents, Aurangzeb said.
Aurangzeb also noted that the highly toxic gas carbon monoxide, released at temperatures of 400 to 800 degrees, is contributing to air pollution.
During the crackdown, several pyrolysis plants have been demolished after disconnecting their electricity connections, including those in Mehmood Boti, Sheikh Majid, and others.
