In a crackdown by the Rawalpindi Environmental Protection Department, 12 brick kilns and six stone crushing units have been sealed while 33 vehicles have been seized for violating environmental laws.
Express Tribune reported that as per a spokesperson, the purpose of the operation is to counter increasing smog in the region.
Authorities also identified numerous dengue larvae breeding sites during the operation, and filed cases against 35 property owners, sealing 20 properties.
The operation was conducted by Environment Protection Department Deputy Director Maria Safeer, Senior Inspector Romaisa Babar and inspectors Maqbool Hussain, Mohsen Shah and Inamul Haque.
After inspecting 350 vehicles, 124 smoke-emitting cars were issued challans by the authorities, 33 were impounded, and a total fine of Rs228,800 was imposed.
Similarly, 152 brick kilns were thoroughly examined which revealed that 18 of them were emitting excessive smoke.
Cases against seven kiln owners have also been filed.
Additionally, eight hospitals received notices for contributing to pollution, with two of them being charged accordingly.
