- Senior Minister says Lahore’s air quality improved to moderate after first automated smog monitoring system installed
- PDMA chief says over 127,000 flood victims and 88,865 farmers surveyed so far across 27 districts
- Minister stresses tent cities, medical aid, and daily meals ensured under large-scale relief operation
LAHORE: Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Sunday said Punjab has taken a lead in tackling both environmental and humanitarian challenges under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s directives, through the province’s first automated smog monitoring system and a large-scale flood relief operation across 27 districts.
Aurangzeb announced that Lahore’s air quality on Sunday morning improved significantly following overnight rainfall, with the city’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 62 — falling within the “moderate” category. “Citizens can safely continue their daily activities as the air quality has improved considerably,” she said.
By 10am, Lahore’s AQI was 70 with a temperature of 29°C and wind speed of 18 km/h, while at 1pm, it stood at 92 and at 2pm 86, with the temperature rising to 35°C. The Environment Protection Department (EPA), she added, has completed analysis from 18 districts, reporting only a temporary rise in AQI in Dera Ghazi Khan where an EPA team promptly addressed the cause.
She said Punjab has implemented a technologically advanced smog action plan featuring targeted operations with “smog gun” machines in Lahore and other cities to control pollution in traffic zones, construction sites, and industrial areas. For the first time, real-time AQI data is being provided to the public through digital platforms and mobile applications.
“Punjab’s smog control measures now meet international standards,” Aurangzeb emphasized, urging citizens to cooperate by avoiding waste burning, ensuring vehicle emission checks, and adopting eco-friendly habits such as tree planting. “Clean air begins with each citizen’s daily choices,” she added.
Flood Survey and Relief Operations
The senior minister also said that the flood rehabilitation survey is being conducted with “full dedication and transparency.” In 27 districts, 2,233 survey teams are collecting data from flood-affected families. So far, comprehensive data of 127,000 flood victims and 88,865 farmers reporting crop losses has been gathered, while 342,000 acres of agricultural land and 37,044 damaged houses have been documented. The survey also recorded 1,400 families who lost livestock and 5,836 animal deaths.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said teams — including personnel from the Army, Urban Unit, and departments of Revenue, Agriculture, and Livestock — are jointly conducting fieldwork, even using boats to reach remote villages. PDMA is reviewing survey progress daily to ensure every affected family receives fair compensation.
Flood victims, he added, expressed satisfaction over the swift and transparent survey process, with many praising CM Maryam Nawaz and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. “Even if the process takes time, transparency must not be compromised,” one resident remarked.
Extensive Relief Efforts in Flood-Hit Areas
Aurangzeb said that, under CM Maryam Nawaz’s instructions, an extensive relief operation continues in Alipur and adjoining areas, including Kotla Akar, Bait Malawali, Tibba Tiawali, and Peepalwala, where food, clean drinking water, and dry rations are being distributed. Relief supplies have also reached Langarwan, Kandai, Kotla Ghulam Shah, and Sarki, while “tent cities” have been established to house displaced families.
Each camp provides three daily meals, medical aid through “Clinics on Wheels,” and round-the-clock medical centers. “Suthra Punjab” teams are ensuring cleanliness, and additional tents are being added where needed. District officers and public representatives are visiting the camps to ensure uninterrupted services, while water tankers have been dispatched to Alipur, Sitpur, Uch Sharif, Ahmadpur East, and nearby regions.
“The Punjab government’s mission is a clean, healthy, and green province — free from pollution and neglect,” Aurangzeb said, stressing that both environmental reforms and humanitarian assistance reflect the government’s commitment to “safeguarding people’s lives and future.”
