LAHORE: Authorities have intensified field enforcement against local sources of smog, with drone surveillance, night squads and Hawk Eye teams continuing inspections despite weak winds, according to details released on Sunday.
Inspections of Kilns and Industrial Units
During the past 24 hours, teams inspected 37 brick kilns and 11 industrial units, with kilns and industrial facilities found violating environmental regulations sealed. Action against industrial units also resulted in one FIR and a fine of Rs500,000.
Action Against Smoke Emissions
Officials also inspected 34 barbecue and commercial cooking locations. Suction hoods were installed at nine locations, while nine sites were sealed over violations. Authorities have directed teams to ensure that suction hoods at commercial kitchens and barbecue points remain operational and effectively control smoke emissions.
Seven locations linked to the plastics sector were also inspected. Separately, 212 warning notices were issued over the burning of solid waste, tyres, rubber and plastic, alongside fines totalling Rs14,500. Authorities issued another 421 notices over encroachments and illegal structures and imposed Rs37,500 in fines.
Dust-Control Measures
As part of dust-control measures, water was sprinkled across 977 kilometres of roads, construction material was covered at 37 locations, road shoulders were repaired at six sites and 76 new trees were planted.
Government Steps Against Air Pollution
Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said departments had been mobilised under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s multi-sectoral action plan to control air pollution throughout the year. She also thanked Lahore residents for cooperating with the government’s anti-smog measures.
