EPA boosts surveillance for e-challans

Fines worth over Rs1 million imposed this month in Lahore

LAHORE:

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a desk at the Safe Cities Authority to identify smoke-emitting vehicles through the surveillance system and issue electronic challans.

During the current month, fines worth over Rs1 million have been imposed on 211 vehicles for violating emission standards.

According to Lahore EPA Deputy Director Ali Ejaz, air pollution does not disappear during summer but its intensity and visible effects decline due to seasonal changes.

He explained that during winter, temperature inversion traps pollutants close to the ground, making smog and smoke more visible. In contrast, higher wind flow and rainfall during summer disperse pollutants and reduce dust particles in the atmosphere, leading to improved air quality index levels.

The official said various forms of pollution, including particulate matter, had declined compared to last year.

He said the emission testing system launched during winter as a pilot project had now been streamlined and expanded with the involvement of the private sector.

Responding to a question, he said joint enforcement operations were also being carried out by the traffic police and EPA teams.