Estb. 1882

University of the Punjab

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PU to set up pollution study group
PU to set up pollution study group


LAHORE: (Tuesday, November 29, 2016): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran on Tuesday announced to set up pollution study group in order to combat environmental challenges faced by the province. He was addressing a national seminar on Smog: Formation, Impacts & Mitigation organized by Punjab University College of Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES) in collaboration with SEAL at Al Raazi Hall.

Principal CEES Prof Dr Sajid Rashid, Head of Satellite Monitoring Group SUPARCO Shoaib Shafiq, renowned environmental law expert Ahmed Rafay Alam, Met Office’s Duty Forecasting Officer Syed Pervaiz Hussain Shah, Chief Environmentalist SEAL Aleem Butt, Head of Pakistan Green Building Guidelines Muhammad Sohaib Tahir, various environmentalists, faculty members and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Mujahid Kamran said that research on environment was being carried out at various departments of Punjab University and scientists and students from various departments would be included in this group. He said that we had already set up dengue research group which made several predictions which helped the government and the people curb dengue. He said that according to various satellite pictures taken by NASA, crops were burnt at large scale in Indian Punjab along with coal which created environmental hazard for Pakistan. He said that if we gather relevant proofs in this regard, a case could be filed against India at international courts.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Sajid Rashid threw light on the history of smog. He said that research work was being carried out at the college on various environmental changes. He said that Lahore and surroundings areas had to face smog in December due to India. He said that India was creating environmental problems for Pakistan. Ahmed Rafay Alam, citing judgments and relevant laws, said that courts had played role in protection of environment. He said that international environmental laws were very strict and we could file case against India’s role in the recent smog if we had solid evidences. Shoaib Shafiq highlighted difference between smoke, cloud, fog and smog through satellite images and briefed about instruments being used by SUPARCO. Syed Pervaiz Hasan threw light on reasons and implications of smog. Aleem Butt said that coal was being used for meeting most of Indian energy needs and India was behind the smog. Muhammad Sohaib Tahir gave presentation regarding types and elements of air pollution.