Punjab Orders Strict Action Against Smoking-Emitting Vehicles Ahead of Smog Season

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab has issued orders for intensified scrutiny and stringent measures against vehicles and other sources emitting excessive smoke, as preparations commence for the approaching smog season. Field teams of the EPA Punjab have been tasked to collaborate with traffic and transport authorities to pinpoint vehicles causing high levels of emissions and enforce penalties on offenders.

These directives were announced during a gathering of EPA Punjab field officers, headed by Director General Environment Punjab Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh. The meeting evaluated the province's pre-smog enforcement plan, emphasizing the importance of curbing major pollution sources prior to a decline in air quality. Sheikh ordered field officers to maintain vigilance in their respective areas, detect pollution hotspots, and guarantee strict adherence to environmental regulations.

The EPA has adopted a zero-tolerance stance towards visible smoke and high emissions, according to officials. In addition to vehicles, the department will also target significant pollution sources such as brick kilns, industries, construction sites, and stone-crushing units. The director-general stated that no brick kiln would be permitted to operate without compliant zig-zag technology, and actions would also be taken against industrial units exceeding the allowable emission thresholds.

Field teams have been further instructed to oversee dust-producing activities, encompassing construction sites, unpaved roads, and material storage areas. Authorities will ensure that construction materials are appropriately covered and transported, and water sprinkling will be executed where necessary. EPA officers will also coordinate with district administrations, local governments, and other pertinent departments to bolster enforcement throughout Punjab.

"Pre-smog action is essentially preventive action," Sheikh stated. "Our aim is to identify and control pollution sources before they contribute to a severe deterioration in air quality." The department has also directed its field formations to monitor pollution hotspots, address public complaints, and furnish periodic reports on enforcement actions and compliance.