Pollution to be curbed at UC level

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has decided to intensify its crackdown on activities contributing to smog and pollution, ordering large-scale operations in industrial and residential areas.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has been directed to launch an operation down to the union council level against units operating in violation of environmental regulations.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards those endangering public health through activities that contribute to smog and environmental degradation. She said all activities identified as causes of smog remained strictly prohibited and warned that those violating government directives would face legal action.

The minister directed authorities to immediately demolish illegal units and register cases against their owners. She also appealed to the public to support environmental protection measures and urged operators of unlawful units to voluntarily cease their activities.

"Otherwise, their units will be demolished," she warned.

The senior minister said no exemption would be granted to any illegal plant or pollution-causing facility, adding that the elimination of smog remained among the top priorities of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.