Anti-smog operation intensifies in Punjab as dozens of brick kilns, industrial units demolished

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stresses safety of the public is government's top priority

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has announced that despite a reduction in smog levels, a comprehensive anti-smog operation continues across the province, including Lahore, reported Express News on Tuesday.

This operation is being carried out with full intensity, and dozens of brick kilns and industrial units responsible for pollution have been demolished, she maintained.

Over the past four days, numerous polluting brick kilns and industrial units have been destroyed across Punjab, with several factories and workshops being sealed.

On November 15, 17 kilns were demolished, and another 17 were taken down on the 16th and 17th of November for operating without zig-zag technology. The operation extended across cities such as Khanewal, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, Sargodha, Jhang, Layyah, Bahawalnagar, and Pakpattan.

The largest number of kilns demolished was in Multan, with 14 kilns taken down, and 8 in Layyah. On November 15, 20 industrial units were demolished in Lahore and Gujranwala for polluting, followed by 16 more in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Kasur on the 16th and 17th.

A total of 51 industrial units were sealed for their role in spreading pollution, with a steel mill in Ferozewala also being shut down.

Furthermore, significant action was taken against polluting units in Lahore, where 30 units were sealed, and five others were demolished, with a fine of 400,000 rupees imposed. Aurangzeb stated that raids have also been conducted on units failing to adhere to precautionary measures.

Inspections are ongoing at key entry points of Lahore, including the Saggian Bridge, with vehicles being checked for pollution compliance. Authorities are also monitoring construction vehicles for proper covering of materials.

Aurangzeb also mentioned that water sprinkling operations are ongoing on the roads in Lahore. Acknowledging the efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency, local administration, police, and other officials, the minister praised the work being done day and night to combat the pollution crisis.

She stressed that the safety of the public is the government's top priority, and the collective efforts of all will be crucial in overcoming the smog challenge.