ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (Alliance News): Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, has directed the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) to take swift action against Islamabad’s deteriorating air quality.
Alam called on relevant stakeholders, including the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and Capital Development Authority, to collaborate in addressing the city’s rising pollution, which has intensified since mid-October.
The worsening air quality, marked by increased smog, pollution, and vehicular emissions, raises concerns for public health.
Major contributing factors include vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, construction dust, and the burning of waste and crop residue.
Alam emphasized the need for strict enforcement of environmental regulations, waste management improvements, and public awareness campaigns to combat air pollution effectively.
Pak-EPA’s recent air quality monitoring showed that PM2.5 levels ranged between 55.25 and 66.5 µg/m³, with PM10 levels between 58 and 74.1 µg/m³, marking them in the “Moderate” range, which affects sensitive individuals.
Further monitoring revealed that 36 out of 50 heavy transport vehicles exceeded permissible emission limits and were fined.
The Pak-EPA conducted this monitoring exercise in collaboration with Islamabad Traffic Police, using the Ringlemann scale and noise meters to measure emissions.
Ongoing construction projects, including road widenings and new flyovers, contribute significantly to dust, vehicular emissions, and traffic congestion, exacerbating air pollution in the city. The Pak-EPA has called on authorities to implement pollution control measures at these construction sites.
Alam also urged government departments to work with Pak-EPA to strengthen emissions standards, promote cleaner transportation, and raise awareness about the health impacts of pollution, emphasizing that coordinated efforts are essential for cleaner air and improved public health.
