Lahore: In a decisive push against environmental pollution, the Punjab Police, under the leadership of Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar, has ramped up its anti-smog initiatives throughout the province. The intensified operations target vehicles, factories, and kilns that contribute significantly to smog, particularly in urban and industrial areas including Lahore.
According to Punjab Police announcement issued on 16 September 2024, the renewed efforts have led to the arrest of 722 individuals and the registration of 930 cases related to smog-producing activities this year. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has directed an increase in actions against polluting entities, utilizing Safe City camera monitoring to identify and penalize smog-causing vehicles on highways and within industrial zones. He also emphasized the role of the Punjab Highway Patrol and Traffic Police in curtailing pollution on the roads.
Dr. Anwar has assured full support to the Environment Department in its campaign to mitigate smog, stressing immediate measures against the primary sources of air pollution. He has called for stringent enforcement against the burning of crop residue and waste, and operations targeting kiln owners who flout environmental regulations, thereby bolstering efforts to protect the province’s air quality.