Punjab Launches Province-Wide Crackdown On Illegal Factories In Residential Areas
The Punjab government has launched a province-wide operation against illegal factories operating in residential neighborhoods on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with authorities warning of strict action against businesses causing environmental pollution.
As part of the campaign, the Environmental Protection Department conducted a major operation in Chiniot, targeting a leather processing facility accused of violating environmental and zoning regulations. During the operation, officials demolished an illegal tannery operating within a residential area and also razed a warehouse being used to store animal hides.
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According to authorities, the facility was involved in hide processing and leather manufacturing activities that produced foul odors and created unhealthy environmental conditions for nearby residents. Officials said the pollution had caused significant inconvenience and raised concerns about public health in the area.
The action was initiated after local residents lodged complaints against the facility. Residents welcomed the operation and expressed gratitude to the chief minister and environmental authorities for responding to their concerns.
People living in the neighborhood said children, women and elderly residents had endured discomfort and health-related problems for a prolonged period because of the pollution and unhygienic conditions generated by the illegal industrial activities.
Commenting on the operation, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said those violating environmental and zoning laws should not expect any leniency, stressing the government’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment.
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said industrial activities were not permitted in residential areas and warned that strict action would continue against tanneries, slaughterhouses, plastic-burning units, waste-burning operations and individuals involved in burning crop residues.
She urged citizens and businesses to comply with government regulations, adding that indiscriminate action against environmental polluters would continue across Punjab.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also said the province’s air quality had improved considerably over the past two years due to environmental protection measures introduced by the provincial government, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to further reducing pollution levels across Punjab.
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