| Chiniot: As many as 38 brick kilns and two factories have been sealed in Chiniot District have been sealed for violating the anti-smog instructions issued by the regulating bodies, according to news published on November 14.
Read: Rising production cost, dropped construction activities shut down brick kilns in Punjab
Environment Protection Department (EPD) Assistant Director Nawaz Sial reported a comprehensive inspection of all 226 brick kilns in the district. Unfortunately, 38 of them were found in violation of the conversion to zig-zag technology, leading to their immediate sealing and the imposition of a hefty fine amounting to PKR 5,000,000.
Additionally, FIRs have been filed against 22 brick kiln owners for non-compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) during kiln operations.
In a broader assessment, inspection teams scrutinized 104 industrial units in the district, resulting in the sealing of three units and the issuance of notices to 22 others. Collectively, these actions led to fines amounting to PKR 800,000.
The District Road Transport Authority secretary reported that fines totaling PKR 2.124 million were imposed on 2,910 vehicles for various violations.
Read: All kilns in Punjab shifted to zig-zag technology: SAPM Aslam
Regarding agricultural practices, the Assistant Director of Agriculture shared that seven FIRs were filed against farmers who were found burning crop waste, resulting in fines totaling PKR 1,130,000.
In response to the escalating smog issue, the Deputy Commissioner instructed District Education Authority Chief Executive Office Aftab Ahmad to initiate awareness campaigns in both public and private schools, ensuring students are informed about the detrimental effects of smog. |
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