LAHORE: Chief Minister Marriyum Nawaz has ordered a large-scale operation to eliminate toxic industrial materials and hazardous metals from Punjab.

Following the directive, a meeting chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb decided to take an immediate action against the industrial units and housing societies polluting canals and drains. The meeting resolved that relevant departments, including the district administration, irrigation, Wasa, industry, health, and Lahore Development Authority, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), would jointly conduct this mega operation. Canals and drains across Punjab will be inspected, and international environmental standards will be established.

An emergency survey has already commenced across the province. A complete ban will be enforced on dumping toxic industrial waste and materials into canals and drains, as this toxic waste is a primary cause of deadly diseases among the public.

It was also decided in the meeting to shut down housing societies operating without proper waste treatment facilities. Notices have already been issued to 28 housing societies and industries.

Govt to offer interest-free loans for waste treatment plants

The CM had previously taken strict notice of the dumping of toxic and hazardous waste in the Hadiara Drain. She has given authorities a deadline of Aug 10 to clean the drain.

During the meeting, a briefing highlighted that toxic industrial waste is contributing to an increase in fatal diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and lung cancer. Studies of industrial drains in Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Kasur have been completed. Legislation for imposing fines on polluters has also been finalised, with immediate implementation decided upon.

To encourage compliance, the government has decided to offer interest-free loans to industries for installing waste treatment plants. The industry department secretary has been directed to immediately set up a waste water treatment plant in the Quaid-i-Azam Industrial Estate, Lahore.

Minister Aurangzeb has instructed that a complete health survey be presented by Aug 31, ensuring that the report’s recommendations are implemented, and that decisive action begins from Aug 10.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2025