Daily Times

RAWALPINDI: Smoke emitting from small factories and commercial units in several areas of Rawalpindi city has not only been causing environmental pollution but has also been contributing to fatal diseases. The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has allowed several small factories and commercial units to operate in many areas without keeping a check on their standard operation procedures as smoke emitting from these units has polluted the environment. During a survey, it was founf that these units are functioning on Fateh Jang Road, Chakri Road, Dhamial Road, High Court Road, some parts of GT Road, Asghar Mall Road and Saidpur Road and other areas as the RDA has declared these locations as commercial areas. Residents living in these said areas said that they had been facing asthma and other lung and skin related diseases owing to the rampant pollution in the area. They said that poultry shops operating in these areas threw filth on the roads and in open areas, causing the spread of infectious diseases.