Lahore: The Punjab government has initiated a province-wide crackdown on toxic industrial waste, warning that housing societies in Lahore operating without proper water treatment facilities may face closure.
The move comes as part of a larger environmental protection drive launched under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The campaign aims to eliminate hazardous waste dumping into drains and canals — a practice linked to rising cases of deadly diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and even lung cancer.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, while chairing a high-level meeting on Sunday, said that 28 housing societies and industries have already been issued notices for operating without proper waste treatment mechanisms. She added that authorities will take decisive action from August 10 against all entities found violating environmental standards.
“Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has taken strict notice of toxic waste being dumped into the Hadiyara Drain and has given institutions a deadline of August 10 to clean it,” said the senior minister. She stressed that any society or industrial unit found responsible for polluting Lahore’s waterways will face serious consequences, including closure.
The meeting also decided that a mega joint operation will be carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the district administration, irrigation department, WASA, industry, health, LDA, and other relevant bodies. The goal is to inspect drains and canals across Punjab and enforce world-class environmental standards.
Officials noted that an emergency environmental survey is already underway, and that untreated industrial waste is a major contributor to public health risks. Detailed studies of industrial drains in Faisalabad, Sheikhupura, Sialkot, and Kasur have been completed, highlighting the urgent need for strict regulation.
To facilitate compliance, the government has announced interest-free loans for industries to install waste treatment plants. The Secretary of Industries has also been directed to set up a wastewater treatment facility in the Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Estate immediately.
In addition, the provincial government has ordered a comprehensive health survey to assess the impact of toxic waste on local populations, with a report expected by August 31. Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that implementation of recommendations from the report will be strictly ensured.
The crackdown signals the Punjab government’s renewed focus on environmental protection and public health, with a particular emphasis on accountability and sustainable development.
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