The Punjab government has approved a Rs3 billion plan to address rising air pollution and recurring smog, particularly in major cities like Lahore.
The initiative includes deploying 30 modern fog cannon systems mounted on electric trucks to control dust and harmful airborne particles in busy urban and industrial areas. Officials say the move aims to reduce particulate matter and improve public health outcomes.
The project is part of the province’s broader Clean Air and Climate Resilient Strategy, along with the Lahore Air Improvement Framework. Out of the total allocation, Rs2.25 billion has been set aside for Lahore. This funding will support integrated pollution control programs, including the installation of a Super Station System for real time air quality monitoring.
Authorities are also introducing a “One City, One Policy” governance model to ensure coordinated enforcement across departments.
Punjab has already installed more than 50 air quality monitoring units across the province. These devices provide continuous data on pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10, which are known to cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The government is also implementing digital tracking of industrial emissions to identify violators and improve compliance with environmental standards.
In addition, environmental laboratories and forensic facilities are being upgraded to enhance testing accuracy and transparency.
Experts note that while fog cannons can help reduce dust in the short term, long term solutions will require stricter industrial controls, cleaner transport systems, and regional cooperation to manage cross border pollution.
The new plan reflects Punjab’s growing focus on data driven and technology based solutions to improve air quality.
