Punjab Launches Anti-Smog Crackdown Against Restaurants and Marriage Halls

The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has ramped up its enforcement efforts against commercial cooking points in anticipation of the upcoming smog season. Restaurants, marriage halls, and other food establishments are being instructed to comply with regulations requiring effective suction hood systems to control emissions generated during cooking.

The agency has identified 1,875 such points and has visited 1,363 units so far, resulting in 554 establishments being sealed. EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh has directed field teams to intensify inspections and ensure strict adherence to the suction-hood requirements. The pre-smog crackdown aims to identify and regulate emission sources before air quality deteriorates, rather than waiting for the smog to worsen.

With 1,363 inspections completed and 554 units sealed, the EPA is demonstrating a zero-tolerance approach towards establishments that fail to meet environmental standards and control kitchen emissions.