LAHORE: The Punjab Police registered 41 new cases against environmental violators as a part of ongoing campaign to control smog and reduce air pollution across the province, a spokesperson said on Monday.

The action was taken during the last 24 hours in various districts, including Lahore, where the violators were arrested.

The police spokesperson said that during these operations, 520 individuals were fined over Rs11,86,000 while 95 individuals were issued warnings. Violations reported included 115 cases of stubble burning, 242 cases of vehicles emitting excessive smoke, four of industrial activities and eight violations at brick kilns.

He added that during the current year, as a result of anti-smog crackdowns across Lahore and other districts, a total of 2,332 cases were registered and 2,053 lawbreakers were arrested. During this period, 88,300 individuals were fined over Rs220m while 11,363 individuals were issued warnings. The violations included 1,284 cases of crop residue burning, 53,051 cases of vehicle emissions, 1,391 cases related to industrial activities and 2,077 cases at brick kilns.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar has instructed the officers concerned to further accelerate anti-smog crackdowns on highways, in the industrial areas, agricultural lands and other locations. He emphasized that immediate and strict action should be taken against those violating smog SOPs.

Concurrently, Punjab Safe Cities Authority is taking measures to combat air pollution in Lahore and other districts across the province.

With the help of modern cameras and drones, the Safe Cities Authority identified over 540 environmental violations in the last two days. Action was taken against 283 smoke-emitting vehicles through Safe City cameras, and fines were issued.

During the period, five locations of stubble burning and 10 industrial activities emitting smoke were also identified and reports were promptly sent to the departments concerned for action.

The Punjab Safe Cities Authority spokesperson said field forces were being alerted about smoke-emitting vehicles and other sources of environmental pollution. He urged the citizens to report any activities contributing to smog and air pollution immediately to the emergency helpline 15, to play their part in creating a cleaner and healthier environment.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2025