410 people arrested for emitting smoke from factories, shops and brickyards, main contributors to smog
Police in Lahore have stepped up efforts to protect the environment as the provincial capital continues to battle severe smog.
The city, known for its industrial activity and high density of vehicles, has faced worsening air quality in recent months, prompting authorities to take stricter measures against pollution.
Capital Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana directed officials to ensure indiscriminate action against violators and stressed the importance of public participation in reducing pollution. “Citizens must contribute to efforts to eliminate air pollution,” Kamyana said, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding the environment.
According to a Lahore police spokesperson, a total of 455 suspects have been arrested this year during various anti-smog operations across the city. These arrests were made in connection with violations of environmental laws, reflecting the police’s commitment to systematically combating all sources of pollution.
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The spokesperson pointed out that cases had been registered at several police stations in the city. A significant part of the crackdown has focused on industrial and commercial activities, which largely contribute to the deterioration of air quality in Lahore. As part of these efforts, 410 people were arrested for emitting smoke from factories, shops and brick kilns, sectors identified as the main culprits in worsening smog levels.
Apart from industrial violators, authorities have also taken action against individuals involved in illegal burning of materials that release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. Police arrested 22 people for burning tires, plastic and shopping bags, while another 23 people were arrested for burning crop residues and household waste. These actions are part of a broader campaign to eliminate harmful practices that worsen air pollution and pose health risks to residents.
CCPO Kamyana said operations against all elements contributing to smog are in full swing with police providing full support to relevant government departments responsible for enforcing environmental regulations. He added that Safe City cameras are actively used to identify pollution hotspots and track activities that contribute to the decline of the city’s air quality.
