Action against air polluters intensified, says Marriyum

LAHORE: Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Monday that a crackdown on air polluters continued under a multi-sectoral mega plan for the first time in Punjab.

She said the crackdown was started on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in a bid to eliminate air pollution. She revealed that in the last three days, 28 kilns operating without zigzag technology were demolished, 14 industrial units sealed, raids conducted at 3,827 places, thousands of kilograms of banned plastic bags were seized.

The minister claimed that action was taken against textile, steel and rice mills, 343 notices issued and a fine of Rs5.5 lakh was imposed, two plants were also demolished in Sheikhupura for melting plastic and emitting toxic smoke.

She said that environmental index has begun to improve with installation of 60 modern monitors for measuring air pollution. Surveillance also continued with drones and installation of modern water sprinkling system at under-construction sites was also enforced, she added.

Marriyum warned that the law will not forgive those who will cause environmental pollution. Protecting the environment in Punjab was the protection of every life and effective implementation and monitoring of the law will achieve the goal of improving the environment and eliminating smog, she concluded.