Punjab Launches Mega Operation to Eliminate Toxic Industrial Waste on CM Maryam Nawaz’s Orders

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has ordered an extensive province-wide crackdown to eliminate toxic industrial waste and hazardous metals from Punjab. An emergency survey has been launched across the province to identify sources of contamination.

A complete ban has been imposed on dumping toxic waste from industries into canals and drains. Authorities have declared untreated waste as a primary cause of life-threatening diseases among the public. A decision has also been made to shut down all housing societies operating without proper waste treatment facilities.

Notices have been issued to 28 housing societies and industrial units for violating environmental regulations.

The Chief Minister took strict notice of the dumping of dangerous industrial and human waste into the Hudiara Drain and ordered immediate action. She has set a 10 August deadline for the complete cleanup of the drain.

Following her instructions, a high-level meeting was held under the chair of Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, where it was decided to initiate immediate action against non-compliant industrial units and housing societies.

A mega joint operation will now be carried out under the leadership of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), involving district administration, irrigation, WASA, industry, health, LDA, and other relevant departments. Canals and drains across Punjab will be inspected, and international environmental standards will be implemented.

Briefings during the meeting revealed a direct link between toxic waste and the spread of deadly diseases like cholera, typhoid, and lung cancer. Studies of industrial drains in Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Kasur have already been completed.

New legislation regarding penalties for polluters has been finalized and will now be enforced immediately. The Punjab government has also decided to offer interest-free loans to industries for the installation of waste treatment plants.

The Secretary for Industries has been directed to immediately establish a wastewater treatment facility at Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate.

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Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has instructed that a comprehensive health survey report be submitted by 31 August, with strict implementation of its recommendations. She also ordered the launch of decisive actions starting 10 August.