Punjab Records Decline in Anti-Smog Inspections, Focus Shifts to Major Pollution Sources
LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) carried out 12,295 inspections of brick kilns, industrial units and businesses dealing with prohibited plastic between July 21 and August 21, 2026.
The figure is lower than the 14,048 inspections conducted during the corresponding period last year, according to data released by the EPA Strategy and Analysis Wing.
During the latest period, the agency imposed fines totaling Rs35.35 million for environmental violations across the three sectors.
Despite the overall decline in inspections, enforcement activity increased in some areas considered major sources of air pollution, particularly construction-related dust and brick kilns as Punjab prepares for the winter smog season.
More Action Against Construction Dust
The biggest increase was recorded in inspections of under-construction sites.
Visits to such locations increased from 44 to 228, while notices rose from 26 to 135. The number of sites sealed also increased from six to 45.
Authorities additionally installed mist sprinklers at 30 construction sites, compared with 11 during the previous period, as part of efforts to control dust emissions.
Brick Kiln Inspections Increase
EPA teams inspected 5,223 brick kilns, compared with 4,796 during the previous period.
Demolitions increased from 57 to 79, while sealing operations declined from 74 to 29. FIRs also decreased from 133 to 45.
Fines imposed on brick kilns fell from Rs6.7 million to Rs5.15 million.
Industrial Sector Sees Mixed Enforcement
Industrial inspections declined from 2,638 to 2,392.
However, demolitions increased from 17 to 26, while the number of sealed industrial units remained unchanged at 96.
FIRs declined from 13 to nine, while fines decreased from Rs16.162 million to Rs9.572 million.
Prohibited Plastic Inspections Fall
Enforcement activity related to prohibited plastic also declined.
Inspections fell from 6,492 to 4,407, while the quantity of confiscated prohibited plastic decreased from 48,798 kilograms to 37,433 kilograms.
FIRs dropped from 15 to five, while sealed premises declined from 1,385 to 407.
Fines in this category also decreased significantly, from Rs77.125 million to Rs20.632 million.
Water Pollution Enforcement
EPA activity related to water pollution also recorded a decline.
Visits decreased from 78 to 45, while notices increased from three to six. Two premises were sealed during the latest period, compared with none previously.
The data also showed that seven wastewater treatment plants were installed during the latest period, compared with 49 in the preceding period.
Overall Fines Decline
Combined fines in the brick kiln, industrial and prohibited plastic sectors fell from nearly Rs100 million to Rs35.35 million, representing a decline of around 65%.
The reduction in fines came despite stronger enforcement measures in some areas. For example, industrial demolitions increased by more than 50%, while brick kiln inspections rose by nearly 9% and demolitions by almost 39%.
Officials Call for Effective Environmental Enforcement
Environment Protection and Climate Change Department Secretary Silwat Saeed emphasized the importance of enforcement measures that produce measurable improvements in environmental conditions rather than focusing solely on notices, FIRs and fines.
EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh also called for a review of sectors where enforcement activity has decreased.
The latest figures highlight the Punjab government’s efforts to strengthen environmental monitoring ahead of the upcoming smog season, while also identifying areas where enforcement may need further attention.
