Summary Punjab intensified anti-smog operations, sealing seven industrial units and four brick kilns, while Lahore recorded an AQI of 172 on October 24.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab government has intensified anti-smog operations across the province on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, inspecting 221 industrial units and 354 brick kilns over the past 24 hours.
According to the Environment Department, seven industrial units and four brick kilns were sealed for violations, while one industrial unit and one brick kiln were demolished. Fines of Rs310,000 were imposed on industrial units and Rs500,000 on brick kilns. A case was also registered against a brick kiln for violating environmental laws.
The provincial government said enforcement against the use of substandard plastic and other environmental violations was also underway. During the past 24 hours, 169 locations were inspected, three were sealed and 317 kilogrammes of plastic were confiscated.
To control smoke emissions from commercial kitchens and barbecue outlets, authorities inspected 131 locations, where suction hoods were installed at 78 sites. Officials said they were also ensuring that the installed hoods were functioning effectively.
Monitoring operations are continuing through drone, night and Hawk Eye field squads on the chief minister's directives, with immediate action being taken against identified violations. The government is also using smog guns and water sprinkling to reduce pollution at local levels.
Meanwhile, Lahore recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 172 on October 24. Wind speed was reported at six kilometres per hour, blowing from the east-southeast.
Authorities said air pollution levels were being monitored continuously due to fluctuations in wind speed, and anti-smog measures would continue in line with changing weather conditions.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said preventive measures against environmental pollution were being strengthened, with identifying and controlling local sources of pollution among the government's top priorities. She said field teams remained active to enforce environmental laws and provide citizens with cleaner air.
Aurangzeb urged farmers and citizens to cooperate actively with the anti-smog campaign, stressing that public participation was essential alongside government measures to control air pollution.
