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LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):The Punjab Environmental Protection Department has carried out an unprecedented province-wide crackdown against environmental violations, achieving record enforcement figures.
The Director General Environment Protection Agency Punjab Imran Hamid Sheikh said the department conducted over 132,000 inspections in the last 20 months, leading to the demolition of 2,498 units involved in environmentally harmful activities. Another 2,499 units were sealed for continuous violations, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance policy.
DG Imran Hamid Sheikh said the department registered 3,912 FIRs across Punjab in decisive action against “environmental terrorism.” He added that fines amounting to Rs. 288 million were imposed on polluting industries, declaring that industrial pollution will no longer be tolerated.
The DG reported that Lahore alone saw 38,476 inspection visits, with 244 hazardous units demolished and 1,491 units sealed, marking the largest sealing drive in the city to date. Authorities also registered 525 FIRs and imposed Rs. 106 million in fines, sending a strong message to violators.
Under the anti-plastic enforcement drive, the department carried out 180,000 inspections, issuing 8,458 notices and seizing a record 421,967 banned plastic items. At least 312 units were sealed for violating plastic regulations.
In Lahore, monitoring intensified with 275,975 anti-plastic visits, issuance of 7,422 notices, and 1,376 sealings. Fines amounting to Rs. 1.6 million were imposed on households, retail outlets, and large store chains.
The DG highlighted the installation of 2,139 water recyclers across Lahore to curb wastage.
The department identified 500 incidents of stubble burning, where quick-response fire units promptly extinguished the flames. Additionally, 634 notices were issued during sand trolley operations.
Under the vehicle emission testing program, 4,201 vehicles were checked, with 97 failing due to excessive pollution. The department also inspected 676 construction sites, enforcing strict monitoring against dust and particulate emissions.
DG Imran Hamid Sheikh said all operations of the Punjab Environmental Protection Department have broken previous records, reaffirming that the fight against environmental pollution is ongoing and stronger than ever.