Smoke blankets Jaranwala as factories flout laws

Air pollution in Jaranwala has reached hazardous levels due to unchecked emissions from dozens of sizing factories operating in the area, exposing serious lapses in environmental law enforcement.

Afzaal Ali Gujjar, a university graduate and local milkman, said the clusters of factories near Sargodha Road and adjacent localities including Nalka Kahala, Samana Pul and the small industrial estate, are releasing dense smoke without installing modern emission control systems.

"The smoke from these factories causes respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic cough, cancer, and ENT issues. People are forced to cover their faces while passing through this poisonous air," he said.

Umair Latif, a BSc (Hons) student at Madina Teaching University, expressed frustration over the daily ordeal of traveling through heavy smoke.

"The stench from the factories not only fills the air outside but even enters our classrooms, disturbing our concentration and studies. It's hard to believe this is happening without some form of collusion between factory owners and the environment department," he said.

Arifa Nayyir, a resident of Ghulshan-e-Madina Colony near the spinning mills, shared how emissions directly affect her household. "Whenever the factory's boiler is turned on, thick smoke coats everything—including freshly washed clothes. We filed a complaint three months ago, but the environment department didn't respond," she claimed. Arifa also revealed that her daughter's engagement was broken off due to the family's proximity to the pollution source, underscoring the social stigma now attached to the area.

When contacted, Usman Azhar, Deputy Director of the Environment Protection Department, acknowledged receiving multiple complaints regarding the persistent smoke on Sargodha Road. "An anti-smog squad has been activated, and warning notices have been issued to dozens of mill owners to install Emission Control Systems (ECS). We've also advised the use of wet scrubbers to reduce particulate emissions," he said.

He further stated that around 40 FIRs have been registered and over 100 challans sent to the Environment Tribunal in Lahore against non-compliant factories.

"We are fully committed to our responsibility. However, we've requested more staff and infrastructure to improve enforcement. The Smog Mitigation Action Plan 2024 is being implemented in full, targeting key emission sectors while promoting sustainable practices," Azhar added.

Despite official assurances, residents continue to suffer in what they describe as an "open-air gas chamber," urging immediate and decisive action to restore breathable air and hold violators accountable.