PESHAWAR: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initiated a large-scale operation against industrial units contributing to pollution across various regions of the province.
Intensive Inspections and Legal Action
A wide array of sectors, including marble factories, steel mills, ghee mills, brick kilns, food processing units, and crushing plants have been targeted during the operation. Under the directives of Director General EPA, Iqbal Hussain, specialized Sector Inspection Teams have been deployed at regional offices.
According to a formal report released by the agency, these teams are conducting daily inspections to ensure compliance with environmental protocols. In the last two months alone, more than 1,600 industrial units and potential pollution sites have been inspected.
Major Findings and Violations
The EPA’s report highlights a significant lack of compliance among industrial owners:
- 700+ Units Issued Notices: Over 700 industrial units have received formal notices, requiring owners to appear before officials and explain their failure to implement pollution control protocols.
- 1,400 Non-Compliant Units: Investigations revealed that 1,400 units were operating without following mandatory environmental safety measures or pollution control standards.
- Targeting Steel Mills: Owners of various steel mills have been specifically summoned to justify their non-compliance with environmental protection laws.
Strict Enforcement and Zero Tolerance
Director General Iqbal Hussain has made it clear that the Environmental Protection Agency KP crackdown on industrial pollution will be impartial and relentless. He has instructed all regional officers to continue daily monitoring and submit progress reports directly to the DG office.
“No leniency will be shown to any factory or unit until they are made environment-friendly,” stated DG Iqbal Hussain. He emphasized that the agency will not succumb to any pressure and will continue to take strict action, including sealing units and imposing heavy fines on violators.
The EPA has already moved to seal several units that were found to be major contributors to smog and environmental hazards. Field officers have been strictly directed to ensure that all industrial operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are brought in line with international environmental standards.
The agency remains committed to transforming the province’s industrial landscape into a green and sustainable sector, ensuring that public health is not compromised by industrial waste and air pollution.
