Faisalabad AQI hits hazardous 600 as crackdown begins

FAISALABAD: Authorities in Faisalabad division have ordered an immediate ban on the sale of uncovered construction materials as the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 600 on Wednesday, reaching hazardous levels.

Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh issued the directives while chairing a meeting to review measures aimed at controlling air pollution and tackling the worsening smog situation.

He warned that strict enforcement would be ensured and shops found selling uncovered construction materials would be sealed. He also instructed officials to ensure that sand and soil stored outside plant nurseries were properly covered to prevent dust particles from spreading into the air.

The commissioner further directed departments to inspect ongoing development projects and ensure that all construction materials at project sites remained covered.

He ordered authorities to verify the installation of suction hoods at barbecue outlets and shut down establishments operating without the required equipment. Special night inspection teams will also be established to monitor compliance and take action against those violating environmental regulations.

To reduce airborne dust, the relevant departments were instructed to arrange regular water sprinkling on roads. The Agriculture and Revenue departments were also directed to maintain close monitoring of agricultural fields and prevent farmers from burning crop residues.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) was instructed to seal industrial units releasing toxic emissions or violating environmental standard operating procedures. The commissioner called for round-the-clock monitoring to ensure effective enforcement.

Briefing the meeting, Deputy Director Environment Tahir Abbas Syial said the EPA had intensified inspections against industrial pollution, brick kilns, uncovered construction sites, vehicle emissions, open waste burning, crop residue burning and violations involving suction hoods and single-use plastics.

He identified industrial activity as a major source of pollution contributing to the smog problem.

According to the briefing, the EPA conducted 812 inspections of industrial units over the past six weeks and detected 79 violations. The department imposed fines totalling Rs6.8 million and sealed five units. An FIR was also registered against one industrial unit, while another was demolished.

Additionally, 375 industrial owners received seven-day notices, while the EPA secured camera access to 267 industrial units to strengthen surveillance.

Syial further reported that 839 inspections of brick kilns had been carried out, resulting in the detection of 56 violations.