TOBA TEK SINGH: Pakistan Textile Sizing Association (PTSA) Chairman Shakeel Ahmad Ansari has criticised the Environment Protection Department (EPD) for its actions against industrial units, warning that such measures would disrupt production and increase unemployment. Mr Ansari told a press conference on Saturday that they condemned the demolition of industrial units in Faisalabad under the pretext of combating smog.

He stated that 60% of industrial units, including power looms and sizing industries, are already closed due to political instability and high electricity tariffs.`Many operational units cannot even be sold as scrap at throwaway prices,` he said. Mr Ansari accused the EPD of targeting industrialists while ignoring pollution caused by the automobile sector, which he claimed accounts for over 83% of pollution, according to government surveys.

Mr Ansari called on the business community to take a unified stance against the EPD`s actions and urged the government to focus on smogemitting vehicles instead of further pressurising struggling industries.

M e a n w h i 1 e , Faisalabad Think Tank has proposed an innovative solution to combat smog by installing mist fans on electric poles along the Rakh Branch Canal. Industrialist Engineer Ahmad Hassan outlined the plan, suggesting the project could be implemented under a public-private partnership.

Mr Hassan expressed concern that smog hasdisrupted normal life every winter for years, and attempts such as artificial rain have failed to provide a permanent solution. He proposed using existing water and electricity resources along the canal, with private sector businesses funding and maintaining the system.

He suggested that the system could initially operate in front of cooperative business houses and gradually expand.

The proposal also includes converting the system to solar energy to reduce long-term costs, with police providingsecurity against theft and vandalism.

Mr Hassan called for collaboration with civil society and environmental organisations, facilitated by the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to ensure the project`s success and its expansion to other areas in the future. He suggested signing a memorandum of understanding among district administration, police, Faisalabad Development Authority and the irrigation department to clearly define responsibilities and sustain operations.