Punjab Acts Against Toxic Waste in Canals

Download IPFS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab has launched enforcement action against 24 entities, including 22 private housing societies and 2 government institutions, for illegally dumping untreated wastewater into public canals and drains.

According to EPA officials, these entities were found discharging hazardous sewage and industrial waste without proper treatment facilities. In response, the agency issued Environmental Protection Orders (EPOs) and Hearing Notices (HNs) for violating environmental safety laws.

This action is part of a broader initiative directed by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who recently ordered a province-wide crackdown on the open discharge of toxic waste, including harmful industrial byproducts and heavy metals. The minister highlighted the severe health risks that such pollution poses to the public.

“There will be a complete ban on dumping untreated toxic waste into drains and canals,” she stated. Aurangzeb underscored that unchecked pollution in water channels has been a major factor in the spread of serious diseases and must be brought under control through strict regulation.

Authorities have announced that the crackdown will expand further in the coming weeks, with intensified inspections and enforcement measures. Housing societies and institutions that continue to violate the law may face heavy fines, legal proceedings, or even forced closures.

The EPA emphasized that environmental protection is now a top priority for the provincial government. Officials reiterated that all organizations, private or public, must install functional wastewater treatment systems to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

The campaign is also intended to send a strong message about regulatory accountability, with the government aiming to improve overall waste management infrastructure across Punjab.

This marks a renewed effort by authorities to tackle longstanding environmental hazards and enforce basic health and safety laws. By holding violators accountable, the EPA and Punjab administration hope to curb future damage to public water sources and protect the health of communities.

The EPA has urged all housing developers and industrial units to align their operations with environmental regulations or risk enforcement action.