Latest news with #ImranHamidSheikh
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
EPA bans substandard fuel
LAHORE: The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has imposed a province-wide ban on the use of substandard fuel in motor vehicles, declaring that no vehicle on Punjab's roads may operate using petrol or high-speed diesel that does not meet the specifications approved by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). In a notification issued by EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, it was stated that violations of this order will be punishable under Section 17 of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997. An EPA spokesperson clarified that any petrol or diesel lacking OGRA-approved standards will be deemed substandard. Vehicles running on such fuels will be prohibited from using public roads. Moreover, no petrol pump will be allowed to store or sell fuel that does not comply with OGRA standards. The directive takes immediate effect across Punjab, and inspections at fuel stations are set to begin without delay, according to the DG Environment. 'Strict action will be taken against all retailers and suppliers found dealing in substandard fuel,' Dr Imran warned, adding that enforcement teams will ensure full compliance with the new policy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab rolls out 'Hawk Eye' surveillance
The Punjab Environmental Protection Department has launched Pakistan's first aerial surveillance initiative by establishing a dedicated drone-based monitoring company. The innovative step, spearheaded by Director General Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh, is part of the cutting-edge "Hawk Eye Project," which formally commenced aerial environmental monitoring across the province. According to department officials, thermal technology-equipped drones and a specially trained GIS wing have been deployed in the field. These advanced drones will not only identify industries and entities engaged in environmentally harmful activities but will also provide oversight on the performance of field staff, ensuring accountability. DG Imran Hamid Sheikh stated that under the Hawk Eye Project, a comprehensive e-mapping of all industries and brick kilns across Punjab has begun. He emphasised that aerial surveillance would allow for real-time detection of environmental violations, significantly improving enforcement mechanisms. During the project's inaugural surveillance operation, the GIS team identified three active pyrolysis plants in the Mehmood Booti area of Lahore. A detailed report was immediately submitted to the DG Environment, and an explanation will be sought from the Lahore field office regarding the matter. Furthermore, the team discovered four other industrial units and an empty plot containing hundreds of sacks filled with carbon. Experts have warned that such carbon stockpiles pose significant environmental risks and require urgent action. Authorities assert that the Hawk Eye Project represents a groundbreaking step in environmental monitoring and marks the beginning of a new era in environmental governance in Punjab. Meanwhile, terming it a "defining moment" in the provincial government's efforts to combat climate change challenges, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the launch of Pakistan's first-ever smart environmental protection force was a bold leap toward a cleaner, greener and climate-resilient future. "Equipped with drone surveillance, real-time AQI monitors, mobile labs, and specialiSed squads across key sectorsindustry, water, plastic, agriculture, transport, and fuelthis pioneering Force is committed to rapid response, accurate enforcement, and sustained air quality improvement," she said in a post on 'X'.
Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Car wash stations face crackdown amid water crisis
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a sweeping crackdown on car wash stations across the province for failing to install mandatory water recycling systems, as part of broader efforts to combat an escalating water crisis. The move comes after the EPA imposed a province-wide ban last week on the establishment of new car wash stations to prevent further strain on Punjab's water resources. The enforcement campaign was triggered by a Feb 28 deadline for compliance, targeting 3,525 car wash facilities ordered to adopt water-saving systems. According to EPA officials, the initiative is intended to curb excessive water consumption amid mounting drought conditions. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that rainfall in Punjab from Sept 1, 2024, to Jan 15, 2025, was 42% below average. As of this week, the EPA has issued notices to 2,557 stations, shut down 322, and sealed 159 for non-compliance. Fines exceeding Rs600,000 have been imposed. Meanwhile, 646 facilities have installed the required recycling systems. The crackdown follows an order issued on Feb 12 by EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, which also mandates a Rs100,000 penalty for non-compliant petrol pumps. In a related measure, the government has banned vehicle washing at private residences, with violators facing fines. To further protect the province's depleting water reserves, the EPA last week issued a directive - under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997 - implementing an immediate and complete ban on the establishment of new car wash stations. The order, signed by Dr Sheikh, grants the agency legal authority to enforce environmental protection and sustainable development policies. "Effective immediately, this order shall remain in force until modified or withdrawn," the EPA stated. The directive further warned that violations would be punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Highlighting the environmental toll of commercial car washing, the EPA noted that traditional stations use approximately 400 liters of water per vehicle - a level deemed unsustainable under current conditions.
