Faisalabad’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to 600 on Wednesday, reaching hazardous levels as authorities intensified efforts to control pollution and tackle the worsening smog situation. In response, the Faisalabad divisional administration has ordered an immediate ban on the sale of uncovered construction materials and directed relevant departments to strengthen environmental enforcement.
Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh issued the directives while chairing a meeting to review measures against air pollution. He warned that shops found selling uncovered construction materials would be sealed. Officials were also instructed to ensure that sand and soil stored outside plant nurseries were properly covered to prevent dust from spreading into the air.
The commissioner directed departments to inspect ongoing development projects and ensure that construction materials at project sites remained covered. He also ordered authorities to verify the installation of suction hoods at barbecue outlets and shut down establishments operating without the required equipment. Special night inspection teams will be formed to monitor compliance with environmental regulations.
EPA intensifies industrial pollution inspections
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) was instructed to seal industrial units releasing toxic emissions or violating environmental standard operating procedures. The commissioner also called for round-the-clock monitoring to strengthen enforcement against activities contributing to air pollution.
Briefing the meeting, Deputy Director Environment Tahir Abbas Syial said the EPA had intensified inspections targeting industrial emissions, brick kilns, uncovered construction sites, vehicle pollution, open waste burning, crop residue burning, improper suction hood installations and violations involving single-use plastics.
He identified industrial activity as a major contributor to Faisalabad’s smog problem. According to the briefing, the EPA conducted 812 inspections of industrial units over the previous six weeks and detected 79 violations.
The department imposed fines totalling Rs6.8 million and sealed five industrial units. An FIR was also registered against one unit, while another was demolished. Additionally, 375 industrial owners received seven-day notices, and the EPA secured camera access to 267 industrial units to strengthen monitoring.
Measures targeting dust and crop burning
Authorities have also been directed to arrange regular water sprinkling on roads to reduce airborne dust. The Agriculture and Revenue departments were instructed to closely monitor agricultural fields and prevent farmers from burning crop residues.
The EPA also carried out 839 inspections of brick kilns, identifying 56 violations, according to the briefing.
The latest measures come as Faisalabad faces hazardous air quality, prompting authorities to increase inspections and enforcement across industrial, commercial and construction activities. The administration has emphasised continuous monitoring to address pollution sources and improve air quality across the division.
