Punjab Police Ramps Up Anti-Smog Efforts, Targets Polluting Vehicles and Industries

Lahore: In a renewed push for environmental sustainability, Punjab Police has escalated its operations to combat the worsening smog issue across the region. This initiative, under the directive of Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, focuses on stringent legal action against polluting vehicles, industries, and practices contributing to air pollution.

According to Punjab Police Spokesperson, the force has arrested 753 individuals and registered 999 cases this year as part of its dedicated anti-smog campaign. In Lahore alone, 71 people have faced arrest under the same initiative, with 180 related cases lodged. The crackdown has also resulted in significant penalties for violations, including fines imposed on 133,737 vehicles for excessive smoke emissions, accumulating to over 210.48 million rupees in fines. Furthermore, the police have impounded 43,045 vehicles with poor fitness standards, suspended the fitness certificates of 2,510 vehicles, and canceled the route permits of 1,476 vehicles for high emissions levels. Additionally, 163 vehicles were charged under FIRs for emitting toxic fumes.

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has instructed further intensification of these efforts, particularly along highways and within industrial zones, utilizing Safe City cameras for monitoring and enforcement. He also directed the Traffic Police and Punjab Highway Patrol to ensure swift action against vehicles contributing to smog. The overarching goal is to support the Environment Department comprehensively in tackling the smog crisis, with a special emphasis on curbing the burning of crop residues, operating brick kilns, and waste disposal practices that violate environmental standards. This directive underscores the commitment of Punjab Police to bolstering actions for environmental protection and public health.

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