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ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP):Environmental authorities in Islamabad have begun demolishing brick kilns found operating illegally and emitting hazardous smoke, as part of a major campaign to tackle rising air pollution and winter smog in the capital.
The operation, led by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) in coordination with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Police, targeted traditional brick kilns in the H-16 and H-17.
Officials said the kilns were operating without Zigzag Technology, an environmentally friendly method designed to cut emissions and reduce heat-trapping pollutants.
Khalid Mehmood Chadhar, Director (EIA/Monitoring) at Pak-EPA, oversaw the enforcement drive under the supervision of the agency’s Director General.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, told APP that the action came after repeated warnings and closure notices were ignored by kiln owners.
“The government has zero tolerance for activities that endanger public health and the environment,” Shaikh said. “The demolition of non-compliant brick kilns shows our firm commitment to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring cleaner air, especially as the smog season begins.”
He said kiln operators had been given a final deadline of 20 October to switch to cleaner Zigzag Technology following a public notice earlier this month.
Shaikh added that the ministry, through Pak-EPA, would continue working with industries and local administrations to encourage cleaner production practices and promote environmental compliance.
“Protecting public health and environmental integrity is a shared responsibility,” he said.
Chadhar said the demolitions were part of a national anti-smog strategy aimed at reducing particulate pollution and improving air quality.