CCTV surveillance of industrial chimneys ordered

Express Tribune

5 days ago

The Punjab Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has announced a province-wide crackdown on industries operating without adequate emission monitoring systems.
Punjab Environment Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh has unveiled a plan to enforce real-time surveillance of industrial emissions through mandatory CCTV camera installations.
Addressing a meeting with stakeholders, he declared that no industrial unit in Punjab will be allowed to operate without effective monitoring mechanisms in place. "Industries will no longer function unchecked. We are initiating a massive crackdown across Punjab to regulate emissions and ensure that environmental laws are strictly followed," he stated.
Under the new directive, all industries operating boilers and furnaces will be required to install high-definition CCTV cameras on their chimneys to monitor emissions. The cameras will provide live monitoring access to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters in Lahore, enabling real-time oversight of smoke emissions.
The technical specifications for these surveillance systems have been outlined in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Two categories of cameras have been proposed as a primary option, industries are advised to install four-megapixel cameras known for their superior night vision and 360-degree coverage. As a secondary alternative, eight-megapixel fixed bullet cameras have been suggested, offering high-resolution fixed-angle monitoring.
"These cameras will be strategically positioned to focus directly on emission outlets, ensuring that any unauthorised release of pollutants is immediately detected," DG Sheikh explained. He emphasised that the surveillance feeds will be integrated into the EPA's central monitoring system, enabling swift action against violators.
The EPD has set a compliance deadline of August 31 for all industries to complete the installation of CCTV cameras as per the prescribed standards.
Non-compliance will attract strict legal action under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, in addition to Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which pertains to disobedience of official orders.
"This is not merely a policy announcement; it is a decisive enforcement measure. Industries that fail to comply within the given timeline will face severe penalties, including potential closures and legal proceedings," warned the DG.
The initiative is part of Punjab government's strategy to combat worsening air quality levels, largely attributed to unchecked industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and urbanisation. Over the past few years, smog and particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in major cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala have reached hazardous levels, prompting urgent regulatory interventions.
According to EPD officials, the new surveillance regime will significantly enhance the department's ability to monitor emissions round the clock, addressing the previous challenges where industries often circumvented inspections by operating furnaces during non-peak monitoring hours. The live feed will serve as evidence against violators.
The decision has received a mixed response from the industrial sector. While some industry representatives have expressed concerns over the financial burden of installing high-end surveillance equipment, environmental advocacy groups have lauded the move as a long-overdue step towards sustainable industrial practices.
"This directive is a breakthrough in environmental governance. For too long, industries have exploited regulatory gaps. Real-time monitoring will ensure accountability and transparency," remarked a spokesperson from the Clean Air Punjab initiative, a coalition of environmental activists and civil society organisations.
The EPD has also announced plans to conduct seminars and technical workshops for industry stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the policy. These sessions will educate industrial operators on the technical requirements and environmental obligations under the new surveillance framework.
DG Imran Hamid Sheikh asserted, "Pollution is not just an environmental issue; it's a public health emergency. The time for leniency is over. We are determined to ensure that every industrial stack in Punjab is monitored, and polluters are held accountable."
The environmental protection department has also sought cooperation from the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) to integrate industrial surveillance data with the urban air quality monitoring systems, enhancing the province's capacity to respond to environmental hazards in real-time.