Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz declares zero tolerance policy against industrial pollution
As part of the ongoing anti-smog operation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has carried out a major enforcement action, demolishing an industrial unit deemed responsible for serious pollution.
A suspect who broke the official seal of the unit twice 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 bags filled with carbon and other illegally stored materials. Several individuals who resisted the EPA team were also arrested and their weapons were handed over to the police.
The unit received notifications multiple times but failed to comply. Laboratory reports confirmed that industrial activities caused severe air pollution. It also contained burning stoves at the time of demolition.
Read: Punjab choked by toxic smog
Punhab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz declared a zero-tolerance policy against all units contributing to pollution. Special surveillance teams of the Punjab government maintain round-the-clock surveillance.
Intelligence-based operations are intensified during the smog crisis. “Those who harm the environment will in no way be spared. Public health remains our top priority,” the statement said.
The government is committed to fighting the “industrial mafia” which breaks the seals with an iron fist. All activities harmful to public health are brought before the law and operations will continue indiscriminately.
The decisive fight against industrial smog continues and all industrial units have been asked to follow environment-friendly standard operating procedures.
