Faisalabad plans plastic-free zones in major markets

70,000 trees planted across district, with a survival rate of 70% to 80%

FAISALABAD:

The district Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped up its campaign against plastic pollution, announcing stricter enforcement measures and a complete ban on plastic bags below 75 microns ahead of World Environment Day on June 5.

Deputy Director EPA Usman Azhar, while briefing media persons, said the initiative was part of a broader strategy directed by provincial authorities to establish plastic-free zones in major markets and reduce environmental hazards caused by single-use plastics.

He said the department had significantly expanded its enforcement activities over the past year. From 2025 to date, the EPA conducted 14,002 inspections covering industries, brick kilns, plastic markets, hospitals, anti-dengue sites and areas affected by fugitive dust.

As a result of these operations, 150 notices were issued, 154 premises sealed and 64 cases registered, while fines amounting to Rs6.85 million were imposed on violators.

In addition, authorities recovered Rs3.3 million from non-compliant units and demolished 41 business premises for serious environmental violations.

Azhar said these measures reflected the department's commitment to strict enforcement despite limited resources.

Highlighting environmental initiatives, he said approximately 70,000 trees had been planted across the district, with a survival rate of 70% to 80%.

Under anti-dengue operations, two larvae cases were detected and 145 sites were cleared, while 13 sprinkling systems had been installed on key roads to control dust pollution.

The deputy director said that during the intensified anti-plastic campaign, 12,500 kilograms of single-use plastic had been confiscated, while 1,743 kilograms were voluntarily surrendered by traders and businesses, indicating growing awareness among stakeholders.

On regulatory matters, Azhar said 66 site inspection reports had been forwarded to the EPA headquarters, while 12 cases were processed at the district level and 45 environmental approvals issued to various projects.

He emphasized that addressing public complaints remained a top priority, adding that 290 complaints had been received and resolved through prompt action.

Azhar also outlined measures to strengthen enforcement capacity, including the provision of operational vehicles for each tehsil and the formation of dedicated squads for plastic control and vehicle emissions monitoring.