Smog: Brick kilns and industrial facilities are sealed by the Rawalpindi district administration

Two industrial units have been sealed by the Rawalpindi district administration due to their violation of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs).

According to Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema, the sealed industrial units have been fined Rs900,000.

In addition, in order to alleviate the smog problem, thirteen brick kilns have been shut down and twenty-four have been dismantled.

The brick kilns have been fined 8.1 million rupees in total, Cheema continued.

Four chemical plants were also sealed, according to the Rawalpindi DC, and a fine of 900,000 rupees was levied.

The anti-smog operation involved inspecting 6,000 vehicles and fining 2,711 smoke-emitting vehicles a total of Rs 500,000.

The deputy commissioner reported that 441 drivers and owners of polluting cars had been taken into custody.

The district government of Lahore previously outlawed outdoor activities in response to the growing smog menace.

A notice from the DC Lahore states that from November 11 to 17, outdoor activities would be prohibited.

Religious meetings are exempt, the notification stated, but all sports, exhibitions, and events are halted, as is dining outside of restaurants.

Additionally, stores, marketplaces, and shopping centres will close by 8 PM, however pharmacies, labs, gas stations, and supermarkets will not be affected.

Only grocery and medical departments may remain open in large department stores.

During pollution, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahore has advised residents to use masks and refrain from needless outside activities.