In a groundbreaking move to combat environmental pollution, Pakistan has launched its first drone-based environmental surveillance system in Punjab. Spearheaded by the Environment Department, the initiative is designed to monitor and crack down on pollution-causing industries more effectively.
A dedicated aerial surveillance unit has been set up, equipped with cutting-edge drones featuring thermal imaging technology. These drones are already active in the field and have begun identifying environmental violations.
In a recent operation, the drone surveillance system detected three illegal pyrolysis plants operating in Lahore’s Mehmood Booti area. The drones also flagged four additional industrial units contributing to air pollution. During the raid, officials seized hundreds of sacks filled with carbon waste.
An official report has been compiled detailing these violations, and relevant officers have been asked to provide explanations for their oversight.
Environment Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh highlighted the significance of this step, calling it a major milestone in modernizing environmental monitoring in Pakistan.
“This technology allows us to e-map all industries and brick kilns across the province,” he said. “Not only will it help us catch violators in real-time, but it will also be used to assess the performance of our environmental officers.”
The department believes drone surveillance will fill critical monitoring gaps, enhance accountability, and serve as a deterrent to polluting industries operating under the radar.
