EPD intensifies crackdown against SOP violators

Smoke-emitting vehicles fined Rs2.3 million; 24 cars seized

RAWALPINDI:

As part of its ongoing crackdown on violators contributing to the spread of smog and dengue, the Environment Protection Department (EPD), Punjab carried out a targeted campaign against those found violating standard operating procedures (SOPs) including smoke-emitting vehicles, industrial units and brick kilns. The dengue-related actions targeted hospitals as well as known hot spots.

According to the department, it imposed of more than Rs2.3 million while taking action against more than 3,378 vehicles. Of those, 254 vehicles were seized.

Teams from the EPD visited 169 brick kilns while imposing a cumulative fine of Rs12.8 million on 100 kilns for not adopting zigzag technology that reduces smoke emissions.

Maria Safeer, a deputy director at the EPD in Rawalpindi, told The Express Tribune said that her department’s teams visited 56 hospitals across the district. As a result, 45 hospitals were issued notices for not adhering to standards of waste disposal with legal action initiated against them.

At least four factories were fined a cumulative sum of Rs170,000 with the teams inspecting 25 factories.

“Following inspections for dengue, 26 units were sealed due to the presence and infestation of dengue larvae,” said Safeer. She said cases had been registered against 43 units. Another 60 units were issued show-cause notices, she added.

The deputy director said that the department teams sprayed areas which were identified as possible sites of larvae infestations, with teams carrying out operations at least 970 sites where larvae were detected.

According to her, the scope of this operation extends across various areas of Rawalpindi district including the garrison city and its cantonment, Marir Chowk, Murree Road, Girja Road, Chakri, Adiala, Sohan, Taxila, Wah Cantt, and Gujar Khan.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2023.