EPA intensifies crackdown on illegal industrial units

LAHORE, Jun 04 (APP): The Punjab government has decided to further intensify the crackdown on illegal industrial units causing smog and environmental pollution. In this regard, instructions have been issued for widespread action against illegal units established in industrial zones and residential areas.

Orders have been issued to the teams of the Environmental Protection Department (EPA) to conduct a grand operation up to the union council level.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against those who play with the health of citizens and a complete ban has been imposed on all activities causing smog.

She warned that strict legal action will be taken against those who violate government orders. It has also been directed to demolish illegal units immediately and register cases against the owners.

Marriyum Aurangzeb appealed to the public to ensure implementation of government measures for environmental protection, while the owners of illegal units should voluntarily stop their activities, otherwise their units will be demolished. She said that no exemption will be given to any illegal plant or unit spreading smog and the elimination of smog is among the top priorities of the Punjab Chief Minister, therefore, an indiscriminate crackdown will be continued.

On the other hand, actions are also underway against illegal fat-melting units and factories burning animal organs in Lahore.

 According to the Environment Department, action was taken against more than 64 illegal units in the last 15 days, while a total of 374 illegal units have been closed in the last two years.

According to the authorities, action is being taken against factories emitting smoke, odor and air pollution. Action was also taken against illegal fat-melting and garbage burning units in the Bakar Mandi area, where complaints of severe air pollution and odor were being received.