The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has uncovered the secret operation of banned pyrolysis plants in Lahore a major source of Lahore’s worsening smog through its latest drone surveillance report.
The findings revealed that several banned pyrolysis plants, which appear closed during the day, secretly operate at night by burning old tires to produce fuel. The illegal practice has been flagged as a significant contributor to the city’s air pollution crisis.
According to the report, the EPA’s drone squad inspected eight pyrolysis plants in areas including Karol Ghati, Turki Road, Sharifpura, and Daroghawala.
Three plants were found running, while five appeared inactive. However, evidence such as large stockpiles of tires, electrical wiring, and fresh carbon deposits confirmed that many of these units were active after dark.
Deputy Director EPA Lahore, Ali Ijaz, said that after the surveillance findings that the agency, in collaboration with the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), launched operations and demolished all units found using tires and other hazardous fuels.
He stressed that under existing environmental laws, the use and transport of substandard fuels, particularly tires, is strictly prohibited.
