Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has pledged a strong crackdown on smog and environmental pollution in the capital, with Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa calling for urgent and comprehensive action.Speaking at a high-level meeting on Tuesday, Randhawa said reducing air pollution and safeguarding Islamabad’s environment were “top priorities” under directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.He stressed that a clear strategy, backed by strict enforcement of standard operating procedures, was essential to tackle smog.Randhawa directed that all vehicles in the capital undergo mandatory carbon emission testing at certified laboratories.He warned that brick kilns and industries failing to adopt modern, environmentally friendly technologies would face strict legal action, including demolition where necessary. Open-air waste burning will be completely banned, with violators prosecuted.Construction projects across the city were instructed to control dust through water sprinkling, while full compliance with Pak-EPA regulations and SOPs will be enforced.Forester Rizwan Mehmood called for planting pollution-controlling tree species, promoting carpooling, and raising public awareness at the community level.
