EPA demolishes polluting industrial unit in anti-smog crackdown

Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz declares zero-tolerance policy against industrial pollution

Under the ongoing anti-smog operation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carried out a major enforcement action, demolishing an industrial unit found responsible for severe pollution.

A suspect who twice broke the official seal of the unit in a single night has been arrested, and a case has been registered at the Industrial Area Police Station.

During the operation, authorities recovered a large quantity of carbon-filled sacks and other illegally stored materials. Several individuals who resisted the EPA team were also detained, and their weapons were handed over to the police.

The unit had been repeatedly served with notices but failed to comply. Laboratory reports confirmed that the industrial activities were causing serious air pollution. It also contained furnaces that were ablaze at the time of the demolition.

Read: Punjab smothered by toxic smog

Punhab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has declared a zero-tolerance policy against all units contributing to pollution. Special monitoring teams of the Punjab government are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance.

Intelligence-based operations are being intensified during the smog emergency. “Those who harm the environment will not be spared under any circumstances. Public health remains our top priority,” the statement said.

The government has vowed to deal with the “industrial mafia” that breaks seals with an iron hand. All activities harmful to public health are being brought before the law, and operations will continue indiscriminately.

The decisive crackdown against industrial smog is ongoing, and all industrial units have been urged to follow eco-friendly standard operating procedures.