LAHORE: The Punjab government has installed emission control systems in 96 per cent of industries in Lahore for the first time in history.

The Environment Protection Agency sealed 21 industrial units for violating environmental laws on Saturday.

Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was 98 at 5am on Saturday. She said several measures were being implemented to reduce pollution and 96pc of industries in Lahore had installed emission control systems.

According to a survey by the Urban Unit, the percentage of industries in Lahore with air-cleaning systems was 43pc in April 2024, which has now increased to 96pc by December.

Ms Aurangzeb said the Environment Protection Department has established 25 AQI monitoring stations in various cities, and work is rapidly progressing at 35 additional stations. From March 27 to Dec 27, the EPA conducted inspections of 2,883 industrial units in Lahore, issued 860 notices, imposed fines of Rs45.6m, sealed 225 units, registered 105 FIRs, and demolished 56 units.

Notices have been issued to all industries for the installation of emission control systems, and strict actions will be taken against those violating environmental laws.

Public awareness campaigns for environmental protection are ongoing, and financial assistance is being provided to industrialists for adopting eco-friendly technologies.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024