Punjab's Struggle Against Smog: Fake Fitness Certificates and Staff Shortages

In recent years, Lahore has been grappling with severe air pollution, primarily caused by smoke-emitting vehicles. This issue has escalated into a public health crisis, with Lahore consistently ranking among the top three most polluted cities in the world. The authorities responsible for managing this situation face numerous challenges, including jurisdictional issues, the prevalence of fake fitness certificates, outdated motor vehicle laws, and a significant shortage of staff. These factors have hindered effective action against unfit vehicles, which continue to contribute to the toxic smog enveloping the city.

Residents of Lahore have expressed their frustration over the visible presence of unfit vehicles on the roads. Many have reported seeing tractor-trolleys and other vehicles emitting dangerous smoke, which poses serious health risks to the public and the environment. One concerned resident from Awan Town remarked, "For the last many days, I have been observing unfit vehicles on city roads... By emitting dangerous smoke, such vehicles are contributing to toxic smog, leaving hazardous effects on the health of people, animals, etc." This sentiment is echoed by others who have witnessed the same troubling trend across various neighborhoods.

Despite the alarming situation, some officials maintain that efforts are being made to tackle the problem. The Road Transportation Authority (RTA) Secretary, Rana Moshin, stated that traffic police have imposed fines totaling Rs25 million on smoke-emitting vehicles and have impounded several heavy vehicles deemed unfit for the road. However, he also highlighted the limitations faced by the authorities, particularly the lack of manpower to enforce regulations effectively. With only a two-member staff dedicated to addressing the issue of unfit vehicles, the enforcement of existing laws remains a daunting task.

Moreover, the entry of heavy transport from other provinces complicates the situation further. Many of these vehicles possess fitness certificates that are either fake or improperly issued, making it challenging for authorities to take decisive action. As Mr. Mohsin pointed out, "When we check such smoke-emitting vehicles, the drivers show fitness certificates. In such a situation, what action can we take as we have no power to cancel such certificates or impound vehicles?" This loophole in the system allows unfit vehicles to continue operating, exacerbating the pollution crisis.

Another significant issue is the outdated motor vehicle laws in Pakistan, which do not restrict the mobility of older vehicles. This has resulted in many vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s still being on the roads, contributing to excessive emissions. The lack of stringent regulations regarding vehicle age and emissions standards is a critical factor in the ongoing battle against air pollution.

In an effort to combat this issue, the city district administration has conducted inspections, identifying numerous violations and imposing fines. From November 1 to 13, nearly 1,500 inspections were carried out, resulting in 359 violations and the impounding of 116 vehicles. While these efforts are commendable, they highlight the need for a more robust and systematic approach to address the root causes of air pollution in Lahore.

As Lahore continues to struggle with air quality issues, it is imperative for the government to prioritize reforms in motor vehicle laws, enhance enforcement capabilities, and address the problem of fake fitness certificates. The health of the public and the environment depends on decisive action. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and advocate for stricter regulations to ensure a cleaner and healthier future for Lahore. Only through collective efforts can the city hope to reclaim its air quality and protect the well-being of its residents.