MUHAMMAD SALEEM

LAHORE: The smog engulfing parts of Punjab is not only polluting the air leading to health problems but also affecting power distribution.

Some people are experiencing short-term skin and respiratory conditions such as eye irritation, coughing, throat/chest irritation and skin irritation as a result of smog. The National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) on Friday acted to save different cities of Punjab from a blackout after 200 and 500KV grid stations were affected by smog.

The thick fog blanketing areas of Punjab is proving to be a challenge for the transmission system, sources said, adding: “Four nuclear power plants, Chashma I-IV, have been shut down in addition to four other power plants producing 4,250mw of electricity.”

Due to power plants shut down, there is a likelihood of power loadshedding in the country, the sources added.

Residents of various parts of Punjab including Lahore on Friday continued facing health and commutation problems as smog engulfed most parts of the province.

Moreover, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the concerned departments and other agencies to take necessary measures to effectively deal with the situation arising due to the smog.