Sargodha environment officials carry out 374 anti-smog inspections, seal 28 units

The Environment Protection Department (EPD) in Sargodha conducted 374 anti-smog inspections across the district during September, part of what officials describe as a zero-tolerance campaign against air pollution and environmental violations.

According to a department spokesperson, Deputy Director Environment Muhammad Rana said strict legal action was being taken against both industrial and commercial units found violating environmental regulations during the month-long enforcement drive.

The inspections resulted in 28 units being sealed, according to the department, reflecting the scale of enforcement action taken as authorities sought to curb sources of air pollution ahead of the winter smog season that typically affects parts of Punjab province.

Smog has become a recurring seasonal concern in Punjab, with authorities in multiple districts periodically launching inspection drives targeting industrial emissions, crop burning and other sources believed to contribute to poor air quality during the autumn and winter months.

The department did not specify what categories of violations were most commonly found during the inspections, or what further enforcement measures might follow for units already sealed.

Officials said the anti-smog campaign would continue, with further inspections planned as part of the department's ongoing effort to enforce environmental compliance across industrial and commercial sectors in the district.

Environmental officials in Punjab have in past years faced criticism over the consistency of enforcement, making the scale and continuation of drives such as this one a matter that observers are likely to monitor.