By Our Correspondent
LAHORE : The Punjab government has unveiled an extensive plan to tackle worsening air pollution by launching a large-scale operation against illegal industrial units operating within residential neighborhoods across the province.
The decision was taken during a high-level anti-smog meeting held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, in line with the directives of Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
During the meeting, authorities directed relevant departments to immediately begin enforcement operations against unauthorized industrial setups in Lahore and other districts. Officials stressed that such units have become a major source of environmental pollution and pose serious health risks to nearby residents.
The government also decided to intensify action against illegal fat-melting factories and gradually relocate approved urban industries to designated industrial zones outside residential areas. A comprehensive relocation strategy has already been prepared to facilitate the transition.
In a major administrative move, all previously issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) allowing industrial activities in residential localities will be cancelled with immediate effect. Authorities further announced disciplinary proceedings against officials found responsible for granting such approvals.
The meeting was informed that industries involved in burning plastic and wire waste are among the biggest contributors to air pollution. Other pollution-generating activities identified included marble-cutting facilities, wood workshops and small-scale manufacturing units. Experts warned that toxic emissions released through plastic burning can lead to respiratory illnesses, lung damage and even increase the risk of cancer.
Officials revealed that a detailed mapping exercise in Lahore identified 5,206 illegal industrial units, of which 4,514 were operating within residential areas. These establishments were categorized according to their environmental impact.
According to the classification, 306 units were deemed extremely high-polluting, 676 high-polluting, 539 medium-polluting, 2,925 low-polluting, and 760 very low-polluting.
Maryam Aurangzeb said the industrial relocation initiative would be implemented through short-, medium- and long-term phases. Large industries relocating to newly developed industrial estates will be provided essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply and road connectivity.
The government also plans to offer incentives such as subsidized land, facilitation in machinery imports and access to waste treatment facilities to encourage compliance.
To ensure effective implementation, a permanent oversight committee comprising representatives from environment, local government, police, LDA, industries and revenue departments has been established. The committee will supervise timelines, monitor reforms and address grievances.
Officials added that the policy recommendations were developed through consultations involving more than 50 stakeholders and 14 meetings, drawing on both international examples and local experience to ensure a phased and practical approach.
