LAHORE: The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) detected some 1,038 environment law violations during drone surveillance, virtual patrolling and monitoring through AI-based cameras across the province, during the last three days, prompting authorities concerned to take action against the violators.
The technologydriven crackdown was intensified following the reports that air pollution continuedto deteriorate, particularly in Lahore.
A PSCA spokesperson said that the crackdown resulted in 1,277 e-challans and other legaland administrative actions against the violators.
He said 519 vehicles transporting uncovered construction material were detected during the past three days and 301 of them were issued challans and 118 others were warned.
Similarly, action was taken against 405 smoke-emitting vehicles, resulting in 295 challans, while 66 vehi-cle owners were issued warnings.
The spokesperson further stated that 63 violations involving barbecue smoke and chimney emissions were identified and 44 of them were strictly warned.
In addition, 29 cases of smoke emissions from brickkilnsweredetected, of which one was slapped a fine and six strictly warned. Action was also taken over industrial emissions.
The spokesperson said that surveillance technologies also detected eight incidents of waste burning and three cases of crop residue burning, enabling timely identification and action against activities contributing to deteriorating air quality.
He said AI-powered cameras, advanced video analytics, drone surveillance and virtual patrolling are being effectively used to ensure continuous monitoring of smogcausing activities and facilitate timely enforcement action.
Through the 43 smart safe city centres established across Punjab, environmental violations are being continuously tracked, strengthening coordinated efforts to curb smog and improve air quality across the province.