CM orders strict enforcement of Bird-Free Zone

The authorities have intensified an operation to establish a No Bird Zone in an 8km area around Lahore airport.

The wildlife department, Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and district administration are carrying out the operation to prevent the presence of birds in the zone. Removal of garbage has been intensified in the areas of Lahore and Walton Cantonment and the LWMC. During raids, fines have been imposed and dozens of citizens arrested besides seizing pigeons and cages.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif noted, "Birds cause air accidents. In view of the concern, a complete ban has been imposed on dumping garbage in sensitive zones."

She added, "Special teams are active in a cleanliness campaign, besides ensuring constant monitoring and reporting."

She highlighted, "Fines will also be imposed on those found throwing garbage in open places and keeping garbage bins without lids."

The chief minister said, "Pigeon encampments in Al-Faisal Town have been dismantled, poultry shops have been monitored, and de-nesting operations have been completed at Garrison Club."

She added, "Complete ban on spreading seeds in slaughterhouses, poultry farms, shrines and on rooftops has been imposed, besides strict surveillance of Barki Road, Bedian Road, DHA, Askari, Walton Road, and Gaddafi Stadium."

Pigeon cages have been removed from Bihar Shah Road and Zarar Shaheed Road.

Nest removal has been completed in Shalamar Bagh, Bhatta Chowk, Jail Road, Mughalpura and RA Bazaar, while the action is ongoing in other areas of the zone.

The chief minister noted that 142 nests had been removed from the Garrison Golf Club, 21 from Bagh-e-Rehmat School area, 18 from Bhatta Chowk, 42 from Shalamar Garden and 15 from Jail Road."

Bird cages were voluntarily removed in several areas.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Action against open littering and keeping garbage bins without lids has been intensified. Complete ban on raising and flying pigeons has been imposed, and a zero-tolerance policy is being implemented in the No-Bird Zone."