The Punjab government on Sunday announced a series of tough measures to tackle smog and air pollution in Lahore, including a 24-hour monitoring system for trucks and trolleys carrying construction materials and a ban on heavy vehicles that fail to comply with environmental rules.
Under the new plan, authorities will enforce strict oversight of all vehicles transporting sand, gravel, and other loose materials, requiring them to be fully covered with tarpaulins before using public roads.
Officials said a zero-tolerance policy will be applied to trucks emitting visible smoke, while daily action will be taken against overloaded vehicles.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intensified inspections at Lahore’s entry points and will impose heavy fines and suspend the operations of violators.
EPA teams, along with WASA and district administration staff, will conduct round-the-clock water sprinkling at construction sites and designated dust-prone areas to help reduce particulate matter in the air.
Authorities said water-sprinkling operations will begin at night to minimize dust before peak morning traffic, and all field units will stay active until air quality improves. Vehicles emitting excessive smoke will face immediate immobilisation, and repeat offenders could face permanent bans.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that no vehicle carrying construction materials be allowed on the road without a properly secured tarp and ordered all departments to submit regular progress reports on anti-smog efforts. To promote accountability, enforcement data and fines will be made public.
The provincial government will also expand public awareness campaigns through tourism and information departments to educate drivers, contractors, and citizens about dust control and emission reduction measures.
Officials emphasized that the combination of monitoring, strict enforcement, and public cooperation is intended to deliver visible improvement in Lahore’s air quality ahead of the winter smog season.
They warned that heavy fines and vehicle restrictions will remain in place until pollution levels drop to safer levels.