Factory Sealed In Lahore Within Minutes For Emitting Smoke! | Pakistan’s News

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Lahore Pollution Reduction

Air Quality Index (AQI)

  • Current Status:
    • Lahore’s AQI is 224.
    • While not healthy, it is calmer compared to Gujarat.

Court Orders to Address Pollution

  • The Lahore High Court has ordered the demolition of polluting industries.
  • Investigations are ongoing to monitor actions taken against these factories.

Role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Purpose:
    • EPA was established to control and minimize pollution.
  • Current Focus:
    • Efforts are underway to evaluate its effectiveness and actions.

Tour of Wagah Town

Factory Observations

  • Numerous factories are located in Wagah Town.
  • Specific Observation:
    • Thick smoke was seen coming from a factory producing tubewell parts.
    • Excessive smoke has turned the roof black.

Communication with Employees

  • Insights from Workers:
    • A worker, Muhammad Iqbal, confirmed they manufacture tubewell parts.
    • Employees admitted the smoke is damaging Lahore’s air quality.
    • They continue working due to financial constraints.

Request for Government Assistance

  • Employees suggested the government should compensate them for ceasing operations to sustain their families.

Conditions Inside the Factory

Observations Inside

  • A large fire was emitting significant smoke.
  • The smoke rises to the roof and disperses across the area.

Discussions with Staff

  • Workers directed questions to the factory owner or clerk.
  • Owner’s Status:
    • Located on Brant Road but was unavailable.
  • Clerk’s Response:
    • Refused to collaborate or comment.

Reporting to EPA’s Anti-Smoke Team

Complaint Lodged

  • Helpline Contact:
    • Complaint made via helpline 1373.
  • Details Provided:
    • Location: Wagah Town, Lahore.
    • Factory Name: Al Sheikh Foundry.
    • Specific Area: Near Andu Chowk, Mominpura.

Response from EPA’s Anti-Smoke Team

  • Quick Action:
    • Team arrived within 3-4 minutes due to proximity.
    • Inspector and Deputy Director were present along with other officials.

Inside the Factory with EPA

Actions Taken

  • The EPA inspected the furnace emitting the smoke.
  • Observations:
    • No pollution control device was installed.
    • Operations were running secretly.

Immediate Measures

  • The factory was sealed, and operations were halted until November 24.
  • A fine was imposed for non-compliance.

EPA’s Broader Actions

Recent Inspections and Penalties

  • In the past two months:
    • Inspections Conducted: About 50 factories.
    • Sealed: 150 industries.
    • Fines Imposed: 10–15 million PKR.
    • FIRs Filed: Against 50 repeat violators.

Current Lockdown Orders

  • All brick kilns and furnaces have been ordered to shut down until November 24.

Conclusion

  • The factory was sealed and officially marked as non-operational.
  • EPA continues efforts to enforce regulations and ensure factories install proper pollution control systems.

Note: Tape seals were applied to ensure the factory remains non-operational.

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