Punjab to take action against illegal industrial units in residential areas

Punjab on Wednesday announced a comprehensive crackdown on illegal industrial units operating in residential areas across Punjab, including Lahore, following directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb regarding the anti-smog measures. The meeting decided to launch immediate action against unauthorized factories and industrial units functioning in residential neighborhoods, which were identified as a major source of environmental pollution. Authorities were also directed to take strict action against illegal fat-melting units and industries involved in burning plastic, wires and other hazardous materials. Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said all no-objection certificates (NOCs) issued for illegal industrial units in residential areas would be cancelled immediately, while departmental action would be initiated against officials responsible for granting such approvals. She added that approved urban industries operating in residential zones would be relocated to specialized industrial zones under a phased plan prepared by the provincial government. The senior minister said emissions from plastic-burning industries contribute to respiratory illnesses, lung diseases and cancer, while fat-melting units pose serious threats to public health and the urban environment. She noted that marble-cutting, woodworking and other small-scale industries are also adding to dust pollution and deteriorating air quality. According to the briefing, a scientific approach based on industrial mapping, environmental assessments and population analysis was adopted for the industrial relocation project. More than 50 stakeholders were consulted through 14 meetings before finalizing the plan. Officials informed the meeting that a total of 5,206 illegal industrial units have been identified and mapped in Lahore, of which 4,514 are located within residential areas. These units were categori