CHINIOT: Up to 38 brick kilns and two factories have been sealed for failing to comply with anti-smog instructions in the district.

An Anti-Smog Committee meeting with Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asif Raza presiding heard these figures on Monday.

Assistant Director of the Environment Protection Department (EPD) Nawaz Sial said that the department has inspected all 226 brick kilns in the district and of them, 38 were found flouting the conversion of kilns to zig-zag technology. These non-compliant kilns were sealed, and a fine of Rs50,00,000 was imposed.

First information reports (FIRs) have been filed against 22 brick kiln owners for violating standard operating procedures while operating their kilns.

The inspection teams also evaluated 104 industrial units in the district, and sealed three units. Notices were issued to 22 units, collectively imposing a fine of Rs800,000.

The District Road Transport Authority secretary said 2,910 vehicles have been fined Rs2.124 million.

The agriculture assistant director said that seven FIRs were lodged against farmers found burning crop waste, resulting in a fine of Rs1,130,000.

The deputy commissioner directed the chief executive officer of the District Education Authority, Aftab Ahmad, to raise awareness among students about smog in both public and private schools.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2023