LAHORE: The Environment Protection Department (EPD) Punjab demolished 2,575 units for polluting the environment and imposed collective fines of Rs 711 million on violators who failed to install emission control systems, operated without water recycling units, or violated solid-waste and effluent disposal rules.
According to data issued by the EPD, the large-scale crackdown, adopting a “zero-tolerance approach” against industrial, vehicular and agricultural emissions, between March 2024 and the latest reporting period, enforcement teams demolished 2,575 illegal polluting units across Punjab. During the same period, 4,002 FIRs were registered against violators, including brick kilns, industrial units and commercial establishments operating without mandatory environmental safeguards.
To reduce airborne pollutants and smog intensity, anti-smog guns deployed across Lahore have covered nearly 55,000 kilometres of the road network. These mobile units continue round-the-clock mist sprinkling, especially along major highways and congested corridors. DG Imran Hamid Sheikh confirmed that operations are being expanded due to deteriorating winter air quality.
Under stubble-burning enforcement measures, Punjab’s Quick Response Unit (QRU), equipped with high-capacity fire bowzers, has successfully extinguished fires spread across hundreds of acres. Satellite-based alerts have helped teams reach remote areas quickly. The department has also taken strict action against farmers found responsible for burning crop residue in violation of environmental regulations.
The enforcement teams made 432,821 confiscations across Punjab, seizing equipment, machinery and materials used in polluting activities. Across the province, 183,400 inspections were carried out to check compliance with emission standards, waste handling and other environmental protocols. Officials say the expanded inspection drive reflects a province-wide escalation of monitoring during peak smog months.
A total of 8,601 notices were issued to violators, while 2,539 premises were sealed across Punjab. Lahore recorded 3,178 sealing, making it the district with the toughest enforcement. The sealing targeted high-emission industries, non-compliant service stations, brick kilns and illegal construction sites.
Vehicular emissions have remained a major contributor to Lahore’s smog. Multiple vehicles failed emission testing standards and were subsequently fined, impounded or sent for repeat testing. In addition, 160 FIRs were registered specifically for harmful industrial gas emissions. To address water pollution, 2,160 water recyclers have been installed across service stations in Punjab, with non-compliant stations facing immediate sealing.
The department recorded 173 stubble-burning incidents, all of which prompted immediate response and legal action. Meanwhile, 168 bird-hazard surveillance operations were conducted, mainly around aviation zones to prevent risks to aircraft. In the sand-trolley monitoring campaign, 5,847 inspections were conducted, 128 cages removed and 109 trolleys rejected for non-compliance with SOPs. Lahore also saw the installation of 380 mist sprinklers to reduce dust along major roads. Industrial monitoring teams inspected units for suction hood systems, sealing 40 units and declaring 35 compliant after verification.
DG Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strict enforcement, saying: “Industrial emissions, stubble burning and vehicular pollution will not be tolerated. Our teams are deployed across Punjab with full authority to act against violators.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025