The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has discovered a source of Lahore’s increasing smog through drone surveillance
The Punjab EPA investigation found several illegal pyrolysis plants operating secretly at night, burning old tyres to make fuel, which pollutes the air and harms public health, Photonews in Pakistan reported.
Smog, especially during winter, chokes Lahore and plants operating illegally during the night dodge daytime checks. The EPA’s drone team inspected eight pyrolysis facilities in various areas, including Karol Ghati, Turki Road, Sharifpura and Daroghawala. Three of these facilities were actively functioning, while five seemed to be non-operational. However, the EPA investigation found tyre piles, wires and fresh carbon deposits, which indicates that many of these plants were still operating at night, significantly contributing to the air pollution crisis in Lahore.
Ali Ijaz, Deputy Director, said that the EPA and the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) took prompt action, demolishing all the facilities that were burning tyres or other hazardous fuels. Ijaz emphasised that the use and transport of such materials, particularly tyres, is illegal under environmental regulations.
