Punjab’s pollution control, industrial rezoning system finally goes fully operational

LAHORE: Punjab’s first ‘Industrial Rezoning and Emissions Management System’ is finally fully operational now, marking a milestone in the province’s journey toward technology-driven environmental governance.

According to official data, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has digitally mapped 7,889 industrial units, enabling real-time monitoring and enforcement across the province.

Under drone surveillance and digital inspections, authorities in Lahore sealed 2,654 industrial units, while an additional 949 “inspector-less” inspections were carried out under the Eco Watch program. A total of Rs 224 million in fines has been imposed on units found violating environmental SOPs.

EPA officials also reported the geo-tagging of 7,891 brick kilns, of which 2,312 have been sealed for non-compliance. As part of the anti-smog crackdown, 82 illegal pyrolysis units were demolished, 30 sealed, and 28 tonnes of tyres confiscated for being used as fuel.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the initiative as a “historic crackdown on industrial pollution,” reiterating the government’s “zero tolerance” stance. She said making industries environmentally compliant is a key mission of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has prioritised the shift to eco-friendly industrial practices.

Aurangzeb added that drone surveillance and digital tracking have “eliminated decades-old irregularities,” ensuring that sealed units and kilns remain under continuous monitoring even after reopening.

Moreover, industrial rezoning efforts have accelerated in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Sialkot, with the process of moving factories outside urban centres gaining pace. Marriyum Aurangzeb noted that 80 tanneries in Sialkot had been relocated for the first time in two decades.

“These steps are laying the foundation for a smog-free Punjab,” she said.

SMOG SITUATION WORSENS AS TRANSBOUNDARY POLLUTION REACHES PUNJAB

Meanwhile, Lahore continues to experience deteriorating air quality as eastern winds push polluted air from Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana into central Punjab. Meteorological factors, including a rapid temperature drop, humidity, cloud cover and an inversion layer, are trapping pollutants close to the ground.

AQI levels have surged in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala and Faisalabad, with authorities warning of an increased risk of smog accumulation across central Punjab.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said digital surveillance, drone monitoring and strict enforcement remain ongoing. Dozens of smoke-emitting industrial units have been sealed as part of the Environmental Protection Force’s (EPF) operations.

She added that the deployment of 5,000 super seeders has resulted in a “historic reduction” in stubble burning, while rapid e-fitness certification of vehicles has blocked unfit vehicles from entering major cities.

“AQI SOPs are being strictly implemented through data monitoring and technology,” the minister said, assuring that the smog situation in Lahore is being continuously tracked.