Punjab registers 4,002 FIRs as anti-smog drive intensifies

Rs711m fines, 183k inspections, mist sprinklers deployed across Lahore

Punjab’s Environment Department has ramped up anti-smog operations across the province, registering a total of 4,002 FIRs, according to Director General of Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh. "Anti-smog guns have covered nearly 55,000 kilometers on Lahore’s roads, where continuous mist sprinkling efforts are underway," he said.

Across Punjab, authorities have carried out 432,821 confiscations, while the Quick Response Unit’s fire bowser vehicles have extinguished fires spread over hundreds of acres, with strict action taken against farmers involved.

The DG said more than 183,400 inspections have been conducted province-wide, with immediate action taken on violations. As many as 8,601 notices have been issued for breaches of environmental laws, with record-checking completed.

The province has witnessed 2,539 sealings, while Lahore alone accounted for 3,178 sealings as part of major ongoing operations. Under a strict zero-tolerance policy, over Rs 711 million in fines have been imposed on industrial polluters.

Read: Smog blankets twin cities amid drought

An additional 160 FIRs have been registered for flue gas emissions, and related cases have been submitted to the courts. Multiple vehicles have failed emissions testing, prompting authorities to further intensify the crackdown.

The DG reported the installation of around 2,160 water recyclers across the province, with strict monitoring of service stations. A total of 173 incidents of crop residue burning have been reported, with immediate fire response activated.

There have also been 168 bird hazard surveillance operations, with safety measures implemented in aviation zones. During sand trolley monitoring, 5,847 inspections were conducted, 128 cages removed, and 109 trolleys rejected.

To improve air quality in Lahore, authorities have installed 380 mist sprinklers, resulting in a noticeable reduction in dust levels. In industrial unit inspections, 40 units were sealed, while 35 were found compliant, with operations continuing, according to DG Sheikh.