By Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency has taken a firm step in the province’s anti smog campaign by ordering strict inspections for all Heavy Transport Vehicles used by educational institutions healthcare facilities and industrial establishments. The notification issued on November 24 by EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh highlights that poorly maintained and high emission vehicles are a major contributor to the worsening winter smog in several cities across Punjab.
The directive is based on Section 15 of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997. Which prohibits the operation of any vehicle releasing pollutants or noise beyond the approved Punjab Environmental Quality Standards. With smog levels reaching hazardous levels every year the new enforcement aims to regulate emissions more aggressively.
Mandatory Inspections for All Institutional HTVs
The order requires that all buses, coaches, vans, and heavy-duty vehicles used for staff or student transport must undergo emissions testing. Which will be through the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System operated by the Transport Department. Only vehicles that meet the environmental standards will receive the certification needed to continue operating legally.
HTVs that fail their inspection will be marked non compliant and will not be allowed on the road until repaired and retested. The EPA has stated that this move is essential to reduce harmful pollutants that severely affect air quality during the winter months.
Strict Action for Non Compliance
Institutions that continue using uncertified or high emission vehicles may face heavy fines under environmental regulations. According to the Punjab Environmental Protection Motor Vehicles Rules 2013 non compliant vehicles can be impounded with the support of local police. Any repeated violation will result in stronger enforcement actions including penalties and possible vehicle seizure.
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To support the crackdown the Excise and Taxation Department has been instructed to share complete data of all registered HTVs. With district environmental officers ensuring quick identification of vehicles that must undergo inspection.
Weekly Monitoring and Field Enforcement
EPA field officers have been directed to inspect institutional vehicles issue warning slips. And impound vehicles that do not comply within the given timeline. Weekly progress reports will be submitted to the Director General to monitor the enforcement and ensure that no institution bypasses the inspection process.
Smog has become a serious health and environmental threat across Punjab. With cities like Lahore regularly ranking among the most polluted in the world during winter months. Vehicle emissions remain one of the key contributors to the toxic air quality. By targeting HTVs which often produce higher emissions the EPA aims to make a noticeable impact on reducing pollution levels.
The new orders are expected to push institutions toward maintaining cleaner fleets. Ultimately supporting a broader effort to curb air pollution and protect public health.
