LAHORE: The Environment Protection Department, in a crackdown on industrial units in Shahdara and Bund Road, sealed five industrial units and four shopping units for violating environmental laws.

The department took action against several units, including AS Dyeing, Asif Dyeing, Sikandar Steel, New Khan Steel, Zeeshan Plastic, Faisal Plastic, AJ Plastic and Imad Plastic, shutting them down for non-compliance.

During the operation, 670 vehicles were inspected and 160 of them were fined for causing pollution.

All industrial units have been instructed to install filters to reduce emissions and pollution.

Public awareness campaigns regarding environmental protection are being conducted through educational and media platforms. Use of plastic bags under 75 microns has been strictly prohibited to safeguard public health.

Senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said decades of environmental degradation could not be reversed overnight but the government was working tirelessly on short, medium and long-term plans.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024