Punjab has launched a province-wide crackdown on illegal factories operating in residential areas, demolishing a tannery and warehouse in Chiniot. The action matters because authorities say such facilities pose health and environmental risks to nearby communities. Residents living near unauthorized industrial units are expected to benefit from the operation.
The campaign was launched on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. As part of the initiative, teams from the Environmental Protection Department carried out an operation against a leather-processing facility accused of causing pollution. Authorities demolished an illegal tannery and a warehouse used for storing animal hides within a residential neighborhood.
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Officials said the facility was involved in hide processing and leather manufacturing activities that produced foul odors and unhealthy environmental conditions. Residents had lodged complaints, arguing that the operation had negatively affected their quality of life. Local citizens welcomed the action and thanked provincial authorities for responding to their concerns.
According to residents, children, women, and elderly people had suffered from health problems and prolonged discomfort due to pollution and unhygienic conditions. Maryam Nawaz said individuals violating environmental and zoning regulations would not receive any leniency, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enforcing the law.
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Meanwhile, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said industrial activities are prohibited in residential areas and warned of strict action against tanneries, slaughterhouses, plastic-burning units, waste-burning operations, and crop-residue burning. She added that environmental enforcement efforts would continue across the province and claimed Punjab’s air quality had improved significantly over the past two years.