The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency has launched a province-wide crackdown on smoke-emitting Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTVs) used by schools, colleges, hospitals, and industrial facilities.
The agency has directed all institutions to get their buses, vans, coasters, and HTVs inspected and certified for emissions as part of the government’s anti-smog campaign.
According to the EPA, poorly maintained vehicles are a major cause of winter smog and violate Section 15 of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, which bans vehicles exceeding legal emission or noise limits.
All HTVs must now be inspected through the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System, and only certified vehicles will be allowed to operate.
Non-compliant vehicles may face fines, impoundment, and enforcement under the Punjab Environmental Protection (Motor Vehicles) Rules 2013. Police may also assist in seizing vehicles that continue operating despite warnings.
The Excise and Taxation Department Punjab has been asked to share vehicle registration data with district environment officers. EPA field teams will check vehicles, issue direction slips, and impound violators, with weekly reports sent to the Director General.
