Smog-Free Punjab Mission: RUDA Launches Night Operation ii City, Seals 4 Polluting Factories on CM Maryam Nawaz Orders – CEO Imran Amin Supervises Crackdown

_Exclusive video shows red-hot furnaces running without scrubbers at MashaAllah and RBS Steel Mills; PK Industry and Ehsan Plastic polythene units also sealed in Mehmood Booti, Turkey Road_

LAHORE : On the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) under CEO Imran Amin has intensified the Smog-Free Punjab Mission with large-scale night operations in Ravi City.

*CURRENT OPERATION – AS SEEN IN VIDEO FOOTAGE:*

Minute Mirror has obtained exclusive 30-second night operation video and photographs of the operation conducted by RUDA Environment and Enforcement wings.

*Location and Timing:* Mehmood Booti and Turkey Road industrial areas. The operation was conducted at night to catch factories violating environmental laws under cover of darkness.

*Action Taken:*

*1. MashaAllah Steel Mills and RBS Steel Factories – Sealed for Inactive Scrubbers:*
The video clearly shows:
– A brick furnace with open flame and smoke, glowing red-hot at 19-21 seconds, operating without any emission control system.
– Hot steel rods and T-iron bars spread on the factory floor.
– RUDA officials, including a female environment officer, and police personnel inspecting the site.
– An official climbing a ladder to paste the sealing notice.
– Final shot shows main gate locked with official notice: *”SEALED BY RUDA – RAVI URBAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB”* with red wax seal and padlock.

Both steel units were shut down because their scrubbers and emission control systems were found inactive, causing direct air pollution.

*2. PK Industry and Ehsan Plastic Polythene Units – Sealed:*
These units were sealed for burning plastic waste and operating without environmental compliance. Video shows searchlights and teams entering premises at night.

The operation was supervised by the In-charge Environment Department, RUDA, who confirmed that operations will continue with zero tolerance.

*BACKGROUND – RUDA’S ANTI-SMOG ACTIVITIES SINCE START:*

This is not an isolated action. Since the beginning, RUDA has led anti-smog efforts to support EPA Punjab:

*Industrial Crackdown:*
– In November 2025 alone, 12 factories sealed in Babakwal and Mehmood Booti, including Asfalt Bleaching Plant, Shahzad Mill, BM, Haji Alif units.
– In 2024, multiple pyrolysis (tyre-burning) plants dismantled, which were a major cause of smog. One fuel-making facility sealed.
– Routine inspections for scrubber installation, fines for smoke emitters, warnings and sealing of non-compliant units. Four factories reopened only after ensuring compliance.

*Bans Enforced in RUDA Area:*
– Complete ban on stubble burning, solid waste burning, cow dung, carbon and tyre burning.
– Ban on open trolleys carrying sand and mud without covers to prevent dust.
– Mandatory covering of construction material and heavy fines on vehicle owners violating environmental laws.

*Flagship Green Projects:*
– *Waste to Wonder Project at Mehmood Booti:* 13 million tons of waste site being transformed. 20 gas wells installed to capture methane and convert it to carbon dioxide. Pakistan’s first Carbon Market Pilot Project. Site to be converted into a public park and a 3 to 4 megawatt solar power plant.
– *Rakh Jhoke Forest:* 3,071-acre forest revival, 100,000 trees planted on 200 acres, plan to restore nine forests along the Ravi River to create a green lung for Lahore.
– *River Revival and Sapphire Bay:* 7-km Sapphire Bay project, construction of three barrages and lakes to increase water level and improve environment.

*Public Awareness:*
– Smog awareness campaign advising citizens to wear masks, stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities, use air purifiers and check Air Quality Index on Green App.
– Anti-smog walks organized with EPA in industrial zones.

*CEO IMRAN AMIN’S STATEMENT:*

CEO RUDA Imran Amin said: “We believe in a cleaner and greener environment, which is not just a responsibility but a necessity. RUDA is committed to setting an example and promoting a cleaner and healthier future for our residents. Our efforts to combat smog and promote eco-friendly practices are a step towards environmental sustainability.”

*PUNJAB-WIDE CONTEXT:*

This operation is part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s multi-sectoral anti-smog action plan where Hawk Eye, Drone and Night Squads are monitoring 24 hours. Across Punjab in the last 24 hours, 269 industrial units were inspected, 11 sealed, and fines of Rs 1.2 million imposed.

*CONCLUSION:*

The exclusive night video obtained by Minute Mirror proves RUDA has shifted from day warnings to midnight sealing. With furnaces emitting smoke without scrubbers, sealing was inevitable. Officials said operations will continue.