The Government of Punjab has launched a major initiative to reduce industrial pollution by ordering the establishment of environmental buffer zones around industrial areas across the province.
The directive was issued by Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh of the Punjab Environment Protection Department, making it mandatory for industries to develop green buffer zones around industrial estates to reduce harmful emissions, including smoke and toxic gases.
Legal Framework and Environmental Goals
The order has been issued under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, with the aim of controlling industrial pollution and safeguarding public health.
Officials said pollution from factories has become a serious health hazard, and strict enforcement will be carried out against any violations of environmental regulations.
Strict Monitoring and Enforcement
Industries that fail to implement plantation requirements in designated buffer zones will face legal action. Authorities have also banned unauthorized tree cutting and warned against damage to green belts.
Encroachments or destruction of protected green areas will not be tolerated, and institutions failing to meet plantation targets will be held accountable.
Implementation Measures
The Environmental Protection Agency Punjab has instructed field teams to ensure strict enforcement of the new policy. Additionally, the GIS department has been tasked with mapping industrial zones to improve monitoring and compliance.
Officials emphasized that the initiative aims to strike a balance between industrial growth and environmental protection while improving overall air quality across Punjab.
