12 arrested, 37 cases registered over smog SOPs breach

LAHORE : Punjab Police continued to take steps for the prevention of smog and environmental protection. Due to the timely actions of the Punjab Police, there has been a gradual decrease in smog levels.

According to the spokesperson of the Punjab Police, during the crackdown over the past 24 hours, 37 cases were registered and 12 individuals were arrested across the province. A total fine of over 1.25 million rupees was imposed on 622 individuals, while 142 individuals were issued warnings.

Spokesperson further said that violations included 23 cases of burning crop residue, 520 cases of vehicles emitting excessive smoke, four industrial activities, 18 brick kiln violations, and seven other violations. In the ongoing smog prevention crackdown this year, a total of 2,945 individuals have been arrested, 3,558 cases registered, and over 94 million rupees in fines have been imposed on 37,326 individuals.

A total of 6,761 individuals have been issued warnings. Violations included 1,939 cases of burning crop residue, 30,038 vehicles emitting excessive smoke, 345 industrial activities, 1,351 brick kiln violations, and 326 other violations. Spokesperson Punjab Police also mentioned that in the last 24 hours, challans fines were issued to 6,180 vehicles emitting excessive smoke, 497 vehicles were impounded, and four fitness certificates were suspended.

This year, a total of 824,498 vehicles have been fined for emitting excessive smoke, 167,268 vehicles have been impounded, and 10,054 fitness certificates have been suspended.

IG Punjab has instructed to expedite the crackdown on smog in highways, industrial areas, agricultural zones and other locations. He instructed them to take strict action against those violating smog SOPs under a zero-tolerance policy.