EPA Punjab intensifies technology-based crackdown

LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has intensified its technology-based pre-smog enforcement operation across the province, deploying thermal drone surveillance alongside specialised day and night enforcement squads to identify pollution sources and pinpoint environmental violators. During the past 24 hours, the EPA teams inspected 243 industrial units across Punjab, including 28 in Lahore. The operation also covered 366 brick kilns, while 233 food outlets were issued notices for proper suction-hood compliance and four restaurants were specifically inspected for suction-hood arrangements. With the help of thermal drone technology, day and night squads are continuously identifying smoke, emissions and other pollution sources across Punjab. Once a drone detects a pollution source, it helps enforcement teams pinpoint the exact location and address of the suspected violator. The EPA field enforcement staff are then dispatched to the identified site, where they conduct an on-ground inspection and take action against the violator in accordance with environmental regulations. The technology-based system is enabling the EPA to move from general surveillance towards targeted enforcement, allowing field teams to reach the actual source of pollution identified through aerial monitoring. EPA Punjab Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh has directed enforcement teams to maintain strict surveillance of industries and brick kilns and take immediate action against units contributing to air pollution. Sheikh said no industrial unit or brick kiln violating environmental standards would be allowed to escape enforcement. He said thermal drone surveillance was strengthening the department’s ability to identify pollution sources during both daytime and nighttime operations. Special night squads and night surveillance operations are continuing across Punjab, with thermal drones being deployed to identify emissions and pollution sources. Once a violator is located, field enforcement teams move to the identified site for action. Restaurants and food outlets are also under strict environmental monitoring, particularly regarding proper suction-hood arrangements to control cooking smoke and fumes. The DG EPA warned that restaurants operating without the required environmental arrangements would also face strict enforcement. He said the department was pursuing a zero-tolerance approach towards sources of air pollution and that not even a single violator would be spared. The intensified campaign combines thermal drone surveillance, day squads, night squads and field enforcement teams, creating a technology-driven enforcement mechanism in which drones identify the pollution source and its location while field staff reach the site and take action. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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