LAHORE: The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) detected some 1,038 environment law violations during drone surveillance, virtual patrolling and monitoring through AI-based cameras across the province, during the last three days, prompting authorities concerned to take action against the violators.

The technology-driven crackdown was intensified following the reports that air pollution continued to deteriorate, particularly in Lahore.

A PSCA spokesperson said that the crackdown resulted in 1,277 e-challans and other legal and administrative actions against the violators.

He said 519 vehicles transporting uncovered construction material were detected during the past three days and 301 of them were issued challans and 118 others were warned.

Violators penalised

Similarly, action was taken against 405 smoke-emitting vehicles, resulting in 295 challans, while 66 vehicle owners were issued warnings.

The spokesperson further stated that 63 violations involving barbecue smoke and chimney emissions were identified and 44 of them were strictly warned.

In addition, 29 cases of smoke emissions from brick kilns were detected, of which one was slapped a fine and six strictly warned. Action was also taken over industrial emissions.

The spokesperson said that surveillance technologies also detected eight incidents of waste burning and three cases of crop residue burning, enabling timely identification and action against activities contributing to deteriorating air quality.

He said AI-powered cameras, advanced video analytics, drone surveillance and virtual patrolling are being effectively used to ensure continuous monitoring of smog-causing activities and facilitate timely enforcement action.

Through the 43 smart safe city centres established across Punjab, environmental violations are being continuously tracked, strengthening coordinated efforts to curb smog and improve air quality across the province.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2026