In a bid to tackle Lahore’s worsening air quality crisis, the city is launching an AI-driven dust suppression vehicle fleet, marking a pioneering move in Pakistan’s environmental policy.

The Punjab Environment Department has confirmed that 15 high-tech vehicles are now prepped for deployment. These state-of-the-art machines are engineered to suppress airborne dust—identified as a primary source of smog—using a sophisticated system of water dispersal and AI-triggered automation.

Each unit is equipped with satellite tracking, onboard air quality monitors, and remote data connectivity, making it capable of responding to changes in real-time. The vehicles will operate automatically in high-risk zones, activating their water spray systems when pollution indicators reach dangerous levels.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is scheduled to formally inaugurate the project later this month. Her administration has prioritized clean air initiatives, framing the fleet as a flagship component of a green tech transition for Punjab.

The rollout will focus on the city’s most affected corridors, including major highways and industrial neighborhoods. These areas frequently record Air Quality Index (AQI) levels far above international safety standards, especially during winter.

The introduction of AI-based pollution control reflects a strategic shift from reactive to proactive environmental governance. By blending automation with urban planning, the provincial government hopes to stem the annual smog crisis and provide long-term relief to citizens exposed to toxic air.