Punjab intensifies anti-pollution crackdown, 25 units and kilns demolished

Punjab has intensified its field enforcement operations against environmental pollution, with inspections, demolitions, sealing of premises

LAHORE: Punjab has intensified its field enforcement operations against environmental pollution, with inspections, demolitions, sealing of premises, registration of cases and fines imposed on violators across the province over the past 24 hours.

According to the Environment Department, Hawk Eye and drone squads have stepped up surveillance to identify sources of pollution, including industrial units, brick kilns, substandard plastic, barbecue outlets, commercial kitchens and fugitive dust.

A total of 284 industrial units were inspected during the last 24 hours. Authorities issued 28 smog notices and two other notices, demolished 11 units and sealed seven. Fines amounting to Rs1.46 million were imposed for violations.

The department also inspected 439 brick kilns, issuing 13 smog notices. Fourteen kilns were demolished and five sealed, while 12 cases were registered. Fines totalling Rs1.9 million were imposed on violators.
In a crackdown on substandard plastic, officials inspected 196 locations, issued 35 notices and sealed eight premises. They also seized 607 kilogrammes of substandard plastic and imposed fines amounting to Rs15,000.

Meanwhile, 117 barbecue outlets and commercial cooking points were inspected. Authorities issued 26 smog notices, ensured the installation of suction hoods at 66 locations and sealed three premises. Fines of Rs55,000 were also imposed. Monitoring of smoke emissions from commercial kitchens and barbecue outlets has been further tightened.

Under the campaign against fugitive dust, 23 locations were inspected, six notices were issued and sprinklers were installed at four sites. A fine of Rs5,000 was imposed for violations.
According to Climate Watch data analysis, surface winds were expected to remain around five kilometres per hour from midnight to 8am on October 20, increasing the likelihood of pollutants accumulating in the atmosphere. Improved dispersion of pollutants was expected during the daytime as wind speeds increased.

Director General Environment Abdullah Nayy​​ar Sheikh is supervising the ongoing operations against pollution sources. The department said Hawk Eye squads, drone teams and other field units were being used to improve the identification of violations and ensure prompt enforcement.

The department reiterated that strict action, including notices, sealing, demolitions, registration of cases and fines, would continue without discrimination against those violating environmental laws.