Industrial smoke chokes Sargodha Road

The city's Sargodha Road has been witnessing thick smoke from factories and vehicles what the locals described as "blanket smoke" and worsening air pollution.

The area, known for its concentration of industrial estates and factories, has become a hotspot for emissions, triggering health complaints and fears of deterioration in air quality.

Ghafar Naveed, a retired WASA director and resident of Gulshan-e-Madina Colony, said pollution levels have reached unbearable levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) often climbing to hazardous limits. "Dozens of residents recently clashed with a factory owner over continuous emissions. The situation nearly turned violent until others intervened," he said.

Naveed added that families are now forced to stay indoors and avoid sleeping on rooftops due to exposure to toxic particulates.

Responding to the allegations, EPD Deputy Director Usman Azhar said the department has intensified enforcement.

"Warning notices have been issued, challans sent to the Environmental Tribunal in Lahore, and sealing operations are underway," he stated.

According to him, two factories in the Small Industrial Estate were sealed, while 10 more units were shut down for violating smog regulations.

Azhar dismissed claims of unchecked pollution. "We are determined to make Sargodha Road a pollution-free zone through aggressive measures," he said.

Kaleemur Rehman, district president of the Brick Kiln Owners Association, accused industries of using cheap fuels.