LAHORE, September 30, 2026: Punjab authorities have intensified action against local sources of air pollution after Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 158, with industrial units, brick kilns, plastic sellers, commercial cooking points and construction sites among the targets of the latest enforcement drive.
According to the provincial government, 269 industrial units were inspected across Punjab over the past 24 hours. Eleven units were sealed, a case was registered against one unit and fines totaling Rs1.2 million were imposed.
The government said coordinated field enforcement, monitoring and preventive measures have been activated to control local sources of smog. Drone, night and field inspection squads are also operating as part of the campaign.
Action Against Brick Kilns and Plastic
Authorities inspected 431 brick kilns during the latest operation. Five kilns were demolished, nine were sealed and nine cases were registered, while fines totaling Rs1.4 million were imposed.
Officials also inspected 309 locations as part of action against substandard plastic. Seventeen sites were sealed, 1,297 kilograms of plastic were confiscated and fines of Rs148,000 were imposed.
Measures Against Smoke and Dust
Authorities inspected 245 barbecue and commercial cooking points identified as significant local sources of smoke. Suction hoods were installed at 55 locations, while 34 sites were sealed.
To reduce dust pollution, water was sprayed along 1,178 kilometres of roads. Authorities also ensured that exposed construction materials were covered at 44 locations and carried out road-shoulder repair measures at nine sites.
Crop Residue Management
The Punjab government said more than 215,000 farmers have been contacted as part of efforts to prevent the burning of crop residues, while more than 431,000 farmers have received training on environmentally safer residue-management practices.
Of more than 6.332 million acres of rice-growing area, crops have so far been harvested from more than 638,000 acres. The government said 1,259 crop-residue management machines had been used across more than 280,000 acres, while 187 balers had managed residue from nearly 89,000 acres.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said enforcement, public awareness and preventive measures would continue against sources of smog to support cleaner air, a safer environment and better public health.
She urged farmers and citizens to cooperate with authorities and dispose of crop residues through environmentally responsible methods. Smoke-related complaints can be reported through helpline 1373.