LAHORE,: To ensure the safety of citizens’ lives, property, and health, it is essential for line departments to collaboratively develop an action plan. In this regard, the Primary & Secondary Healthcare Department plays a crucial role, while the government team would also involve PDMA and SUPARCO.
These views were expressed by Secretary Environment Protection Department Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan during a meeting regarding the management of heat waves and climate change in the committee room of the department. The Director (Law) of LDA reported that, in compliance with the direction of the Lahore High Court, a Heat Wave Management Committee had been formed under the leadership of Secretary Environment Protection. The committee’s Terms of Reference (TORs) included the formulation of a plan to control heat waves.
Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan directed the immediate creation of an action plan to mitigate the harmful health effects of heat waves. He also instructed the Forest Department and PHA to prepare annual, five-year, and ten-year plans, which will be presented in the next meeting. The LDA was further directed to make rooftop and front-of-house plantation mandatory.
During the meeting, the transport department was urged to improve the vehicle fitness system, while the industry department was asked to promote environmental friendliness among industrial establishments. The housing department was also requested to improve traffic planning and appoint a chief heat officer in each department.
Dr. Sajid Mahmood Chauhan clarified that all representatives would prepare their plans within ten days, which will be uploaded on the respective dashboards. The Urban Unit will assist in compiling the final report.
The meeting was attended by Director Environment Protection Department Naseemur Rehman, representatives from Local Government, PHED, Forests, PHA, LDA, DGPR, and the Urban Unit.
