JARANWALA:
Air pollution in Jaranwala has reached dangerous levels due to unchecked emissions from numerous sizing factories near Sargodha Road and nearby localities such as Nalka Kahala and Samana Pul. These factories operate without modern emission control systems, causing severe health problems for residents.
Afzaal Ali Gujjar, a local milkman, said the dense smoke causes respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic cough, cancer, and ENT issues. People are forced to cover their faces while passing through the polluted air.
Umair Latif, a university student, expressed frustration over the factory smoke entering classrooms and disrupting studies. He suggested possible collusion between factory owners and environmental authorities allowing this to continue.
Resident Arifa Nayyir said the factory emissions affect her household, coating everything in thick smoke and even causing her daughter’s engagement to be called off due to the pollution stigma.
Deputy Director of the Environment Protection Department Usman Azhar confirmed receipt of many complaints and said an anti-smog squad has been activated. Notices have been issued to factory owners to install emission control systems and use wet scrubbers. Around 40 FIRs have been registered and more than 100 challans sent to the Environment Tribunal for violations.
Despite official efforts, residents continue to suffer from severe pollution and call for immediate action to restore clean air and hold polluters accountable.
