Latest news with #PunjabEnvironmentalProtectionDepartment
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
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt enforces strict water conservation measures
LAHORE: In response to directives from the Lahore High Court, the Punjab Environmental Protection Department has announced stringent measures to curb water wastage across the province. Under the new regulations, washing cars at home using a hosepipe will result in a fine of Rs10,000, while illegal service stations will face immediate action. A special committee has been formed to oversee the implementation of these measures, comprising Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Secretary Environment Raja Jahangir, and Director General Environment Imran Hamid Sheikh. The committee will ensure strict enforcement of the Lahore High Court's orders. According to DG Environment Punjab, all service stations in the province must install water recycling systems by February 28. Non-compliant stations will be fined Rs100,000. Additionally, a complete ban has been imposed on washing vehicles with oil-based products, and the use of groundwater at construction sites has also been prohibited under the Punjab Environmental Act. Officials emphasised that Punjab has witnessed a 42% decline in rainfall over the past five years, exacerbating water shortages. These new measures are aimed at conserving the dwindling water resources and preventing further wastage. The Environmental Protection Department has urged the public to comply with the new regulations, warning that violators will face strict legal consequences.
