LAHORE, Sep 02 (APP):The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped up preparations for the upcoming smog season, launching an intensified crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles and placing heavy vehicles, trucks, buses, SUVs and diesel-powered transport at the centre of its pre-smog enforcement strategy. The move comes as the provincial environmental authorities shift their focus from reacting to deteriorating air quality to taking preventive measures before the onset of severe smog …
EPA Punjab intensifies pre-smog preparations, targets smoke-emitting heavy vehicles
LAHORE, Sep 02 (APP):The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped up preparations for the upcoming smog season, launching an intensified crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles and placing heavy vehicles, trucks, buses, SUVs and diesel-powered transport at the centre of its pre-smog enforcement strategy.
The move comes as the provincial environmental authorities shift their focus from reacting to deteriorating air quality to taking preventive measures before the onset of severe smog conditions. The EPA has directed its field formations to intensify vehicle inspections, particularly on major highways, urban roads and city entry points, with the objective of identifying and removing high-emission vehicles before they add to the pollution burden during the critical smog period.
According to EPA enforcement data, 1,745 vehicle challans were issued and 621 vehicles were impounded in Lahore between May 1 and Aug 31, 2026, while fines amounting to Rs4.483 million were imposed for violations of environmental standards.
The agency says these figures form part of its continuing pre-smog preparedness and that enforcement against vehicular emissions will be significantly strengthened in the days ahead. The focus is particularly on heavy vehicles, trucks, buses and large diesel-powered vehicles because poorly maintained engines and exhaust systems can release excessive smoke and contribute to deteriorating air quality in densely populated areas.
EPA spokesperson Sajid Bashir said the department was accelerating its field operations ahead of the smog season and that vehicle emission control was being treated as a priority under the province’s pre-smog arrangements.
He said vehicles found emitting smoke beyond the prescribed environmental limits were being proceeded against under the relevant laws, while the agency was increasing inspections at locations where heavy traffic and commercial transport were concentrated. He urged owners of heavy vehicles, buses, trucks and diesel-powered vehicles to have their engines and exhaust systems properly maintained and ensure that their vehicles had valid fitness certification before operating on major urban routes.
