LAHORE: The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intensified enforcement against polluting brick kilns across the province, carrying out inspections and legal action over the past 24 hours to improve compliance with environmental laws.
According to the EPA, 421 brick kilns were inspected during the enforcement drive. Officials issued notices to 22 kilns, while five kilns were demolished and eight were sealed for violations.
The agency said FIRs were registered against five brick kilns, while fines totalling Rs1.5 million were imposed for violations of environmental regulations.
The EPA said it was maintaining a zero-tolerance approach towards brick kilns emitting excessive smoke and those operating without the required zigzag technology.
Brick-kiln emissions can contribute to air pollution, particularly during periods of poor air quality. Effective emission controls and compliance with environmental requirements are therefore important for protecting public health and improving air quality.
Citizens can report environmental violations to the EPA through helpline 1373.
