Orders issued to seal kilns sans zigzag technology

Department of Environmental Protection Director-General (DG) Ambreen Sajid has issued orders to seal all brick kilns operating without eco-friendly technology zigzag.

During a visit to Environmental Protection Department’s Rawalpindi office, she also issued orders that brick kilns operating without zigzag technology should be issued challans and fines. The DG also took stern notice of the continued use of polythene shopping bags in the Rawalpindi region and directed to take immediate action against vendors, manufacturers and sellers of polythene bags.

She said that it was a crime under the law to manufacture, sell and use polythene shopping bags.

During the visit, Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Director Rafiq Ahmed gave her a detailed briefing about the ongoing crackdown on violators. He said that red notices have been issued to 159 manufacturers, sellers and users of polythene bags besides imposing fines of Rs0.17 million.

He said that nine kilns operating without zigzag technology were sealed last week and 17 stone crushing plants were also sealed to control smog.

Ahmed said that an operation was under way against smoke-emitting vehicles, factories, bakeries and barns.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24^th, 2022.