LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government has launched a province-wide operation against illegal factories operating in residential areas on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
As part of the campaign, the Environmental Protection Department's Chiniot team carried out a major operation against a leather processing facility accused of causing environmental pollution. Authorities demolished an illegal tannery operating within a residential neighborhood and also razed a warehouse used for storing animal hides.
Officials said the facility was engaged in hide processing and leather manufacturing activities, generating foul odors and unhealthy environmental conditions that had caused serious inconvenience to local residents.
The operation was launched following complaints from residents, who thanked the chief minister and the environmental authorities for taking action.
Local residents said children, women, and elderly people had suffered from health issues and discomfort for a long period due to the pollution and unhygienic conditions.
Speaking on the issue, Maryam Nawaz said individuals violating environmental and zoning laws did not deserve any leniency.
Meanwhile, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said industrial activities were not permitted in residential areas and warned of strict action against tanneries, slaughterhouses, plastic-burning operations, waste burning, and those setting fire to crop residues.
She urged the public to comply with government directives and said indiscriminate action against environmental polluters would continue across the province.
Marriyum Aurangzeb also claimed that Punjab's air quality had shown significant improvement over the past two years due to measures taken by the provincial government.