LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) claimed on Saturday deploying thermal drone surveillance to identify pollution sources and pinpoint environmental violators across the province.

During the past 24 hours, the EPA teams inspected 243 industrial units across Punjab, including 28 in Lahore. The operation also covered 366 brick kilns, while 233 food outlets were issued notices for proper suction-hood compliance and four restaurants were specifically inspected for suction-hood arrangements.

With the help of thermal drone technology, day and night squads are continuously identifying smoke, emissions and other pollution sources across Punjab.

Once a drone detects a pollution source, it helps enforcement teams pinpoint the exact location and address of the suspected violator.

EPA field enforcement staff was dispatched to the identified site to conduct an on-ground inspection and take action against the vio-lator in accordance with environmental regulations.

The technology-based system is enabling the EPA to move from general surveillance towards targeted enforcement, allowing field teams to reach the actual source of pollution identified through aerial monitoring.

EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh directed enforcement teams to maintain strict surveillance of industries and brick kilns and take immediate action against units contributing to air pollution. He said no industrial unit or brick kiln violating environmental standards would be allowed to escape enforcement.

He said thermal drone surveillance was strengthening the department`s ability to identify pollution sources during both daytime and nighttime operations.

Mr Sheikh warned that restaurants operating without the required environmental arrangements would also face strict enforcement.-Staf f Reporter