LAHORE:The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab has intensified preparations for the upcoming smog season, directing its field formations to launch comprehensive pre-smog inspections and ensure strict enforcement against all sources contributing to air pollution across the province.
The directions were issued during a meeting of EPA Punjab field officers chaired by Director General, Environment Punjab, Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh.
The DG directed field officers to remain fully active in their respective jurisdictions and take immediate and effective action against smoke-emitting entities, stressing that enforcement should not be limited to a particular sector. Officers were instructed to identify pollution hotspots, conduct regular inspections and ensure that violations were dealt with in accordance with environmental laws and regulations.
A major focus of the meeting was the regulation of brick kilns. The DG made it clear that no brick kiln would be allowed to operate without a compliant zig-zag technology, and field officers were directed to identify and take action against kilns operating in violation of environmental requirements.
