410 people arrested for emitting smoke from factories, shops, brick kilns, major contributors to smog
Lahore Police have stepped up their efforts to protect the environment as the provincial capital continues to struggle with severe smog.
The city, known for its industrial activity and high vehicle density, has faced deteriorating air quality in recent months, prompting authorities to take stricter measures against pollution.
The capital’s police officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana directed officials to ensure indiscriminate action against violators and stressed the importance of public participation in reducing pollution. “Citizens must contribute to efforts aimed at eliminating air pollution,” Kamyana said, stressing the need for collective responsibility to protect the environment.
According to a Lahore police spokesman, a total of 455 suspects have been arrested this year during various anti-smog operations conducted across the city. These arrests were made in connection with breaches of environmental legislation, reflecting the police’s commitment to systematically tackle all sources of pollution.
Read: Lahore tops the global pollution ranking
The spokesperson emphasized that cases have been registered at several police stations throughout the city. A significant portion of the effort focused on industrial and commercial activities, which are major contributors to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality. As part of these efforts, 410 people were arrested for emitting smoke from factories, shops and brick kilns, sectors identified as key culprits behind the worsening smog levels.
In addition to industrial offenders, authorities have also taken action against people involved in illegal burning of materials that release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The police detained 22 people for burning tyres, plastic and shopping bags, while a further 23 people were arrested for burning crop residues and household waste. These actions are part of a wider campaign to eliminate harmful practices that worsen air pollution and pose health risks to residents.
CCPO Kamyana stated that operations against all elements contributing to smog are in full swing with the police providing extensive support to relevant government departments responsible for enforcing environmental regulations. He added that Safe City cameras are being actively used to identify pollution hotspots and track activities that contribute to the city’s declining air quality.
