Punjab Launches Pakistan’s First Environmental Drone Surveillance to Combat Industrial Pollution
Tanveer Ahmed:
Islamabad: In a groundbreaking move, Pakistan has introduced its first environmental drone surveillance system in Punjab, aimed at tackling air and environmental pollution. Spearheaded by the Environment Department, the initiative utilizes advanced drones equipped with thermal technology to monitor and identify polluting industries in real-time.
A dedicated aerial surveillance company has been established to operate the drones, which have already begun field operations. The drones recently uncovered three illegal pyrolysis plants in Lahore’s Mehmood Booti area, along with four additional polluting industries. During the operation, hundreds of carbon-laden sacks were also seized.
An official report documenting these findings has been submitted, and relevant officers have been asked to explain the environmental breaches.
Environment Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh hailed the initiative as a significant advancement in environmental oversight. “All industries and brick kilns will be e-mapped through drone surveillance, and the performance of environmental officers will also be evaluated using drone footage,” he stated.
Officials believe the technology will enable real-time enforcement, enhance transparency, and ensure greater accountability in the fight against environmental degradation.
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