TAXILA: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with the assistance of the tehsil administration, on Thursday demolished four pyrolysis plants illegally operating in the Margalla Hills.

According to official sources, the plants were not only causing serious threats to the environment but were also operating in violation of anti-smog rules.

Under the “Smog-Free Punjab” drive, Assistant Director EPA Shahzeera Mariyam, along with her team, led the operation in the Margalla Hills. The initiative aimed to protect the environment of the heritage city of Taxila and promote ecotourism in the area.

Speaking to reporters on the occasion, Assistant Director Shahzeera Mariyam said that tyre pyrolysis plants are banned under the Punjab Environmental Protection (Prevention and Control of Smog) Rules, 2023. She added that EPA Punjab has adopted a swift and strict action policy against violators of environmental regulations, especially anti-smog rules.

Responding to a question, she said that the EPA is committed to conserving the ancient heritage of Taxila.

She stated that the toxic fumes and smoke from these pyrolysis plants not only contribute to smog and cause breathing difficulties for humans but are also detrimental to the ecosystem of the Margalla Hills and the ancient remains of the Gandhara civilization.

Furthermore, they pose a health risk to thousands of students studying in the nearby Education City.

Also speaking to reporters, Assistant Commissioner Zaryab Sajid Kamboh said that any violations of environmental laws would be dealt with firmly. He said a crackdown has been launched against water wastage by households and service stations, non-zigzag brick kilns, and smoke-emitting vehicles that contribute to environmental degradation.

He added that the EPA has already been conducting operations with heavy machinery across the area with the support of the local administration and law enforcement agencies.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2025