Lahore — Punjab authorities have escalated their anti-smog enforcement campaign, sealing seven industrial units and four brick kilns in a single 24-hour period, as the provincial capital continued to grapple with unhealthy air quality.
Wide-Ranging Inspections Across the Province
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, inspection teams fanned out across Punjab to check 221 industrial units and 354 brick kilns over the past day, according to the Environment Department.
The enforcement drive produced the following results:
- Seven industrial units and four brick kilns sealed for violations
- One industrial unit and one brick kiln demolished
- Fines of Rs310,000 imposed on industrial units and Rs500,000 on brick kilns
- A case registered against a brick kiln for breaching environmental laws
Action Against Substandard Plastic
Enforcement against the use of substandard plastic and other environmental violations also continued. Officials inspected 169 locations, sealed three, and confiscated 317 kilogrammes of plastic during the reporting period.
Commercial Kitchens and Barbecue Outlets Under Scrutiny
In an effort to curb smoke emissions from commercial kitchens and barbecue outlets, authorities inspected 131 locations and installed suction hoods at 78 sites. Officials said they were also verifying that the installed hoods were functioning effectively.
Surveillance Through Drones and Field Squads
Monitoring operations are being carried out through drone, night and Hawk Eye field squads on the chief minister’s instructions, with immediate action taken against identified violations. The government is also deploying smog guns and water sprinkling to reduce pollution at the local level.
Lahore’s Air Quality Remains Unhealthy
Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index of 172 on October 24, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Wind speed was reported at six kilometres per hour, blowing from the east-southeast.
Authorities said air pollution levels were being monitored continuously due to fluctuations in wind speed, and that anti-smog measures would continue in line with changing weather conditions.
Government Vows to Sustain Enforcement
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said preventive measures against environmental pollution were being strengthened, with identifying and controlling local sources of pollution among the government’s top priorities. She said field teams remained active to enforce environmental laws and provide citizens with cleaner air.
Aurangzeb urged farmers and citizens to cooperate actively with the anti-smog campaign, stressing that public participation was essential alongside government measures to control air pollution.
