Faisalabad to create plastic-free zones in major markets

FAISALABAD: The district Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has intensified its drive against plastic pollution, announcing tighter enforcement and a complete ban on plastic bags below 75 microns ahead of World Environment Day on June 5.

Deputy Director EPA Usman Azhar, while briefing media persons, said the move was part of a wider strategy under directions from provincial authorities to establish plastic-free zones in major markets and curb environmental risks linked to single-use plastics.

He said the department had considerably expanded its enforcement work over the past year. According to Azhar, from 2025 to date, the EPA carried out 14,002 inspections involving industries, brick kilns, plastic markets, hospitals, anti-dengue sites and locations affected by fugitive dust.

He said these operations led to 150 notices being issued, 154 premises being sealed and 64 cases being registered. Fines totaling Rs6.85 million were imposed on violators, while authorities also recovered Rs3.3 million from non-compliant units. In addition, 41 business premises were demolished over serious environmental violations.

Azhar said the steps showed the department’s resolve to maintain strict enforcement despite limited resources.

Anti-plastic campaign and enforcement measures

During the intensified anti-plastic campaign, Azhar said, authorities confiscated 12,500 kilograms of single-use plastic. He added that traders and businesses voluntarily surrendered another 1,743 kilograms, which he said reflected increasing awareness among stakeholders.

On regulatory matters, he said 66 site inspection reports had been sent to the EPA headquarters. He added that 12 cases were processed at the district level and 45 environmental approvals were issued for different projects.

Azhar said responding to public complaints remained a key priority for the department. He stated that 290 complaints had been received and resolved through prompt action.

He also outlined steps aimed at improving enforcement capacity, including the provision of operational vehicles for each tehsil and the creation of dedicated squads for plastic control and vehicle emissions monitoring.

Tree plantation, dengue checks and dust control

Highlighting other environmental measures, Azhar said around 70,000 trees had been planted across the district, with a survival rate of 70% to 80%.

Under anti-dengue operations, he said two larvae cases were detected and 145 sites were cleared. He added that 13 sprinkling systems had been installed on key roads to help control dust pollution.

The latest measures come as the district EPA moves to strengthen implementation ahead of World Environment Day, with the focus on reducing the use of single-use plastics and expanding environmental compliance across Faisalabad.