EcoWatch App
In a significant move towards environmental protection, the Punjab government has introduced the EcoWatch app to monitor industrial units and brick kilns across the province.
For the first time in Pakistan, all industries and brick kilns have been assigned unique identification codes, allowing for streamlined inspections and enhanced monitoring of environmental compliance.
The Directorate General of Environment Protection (EPA Punjab) successfully completed the e-mapping of all industrial units and brick kilns, which will now enable field inspectors to record inspection data through the EcoWatch app.
By using these unique identification codes, inspectors can instantly access each unit’s violation history and environmental compliance status.
This innovative step aims to improve transparency and accountability in the environmental monitoring system. With real-time data entry and access to historical records, authorities can efficiently track emissions, waste management practices, and pollution control measures adopted by industries and brick kilns.
The EcoWatch app will also help the government identify repeat offenders and take prompt action against those violating environmental regulations.
Officials have issued a warning that any employee found guilty of breaching environmental standards will face strict action under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline, and Accountability (PEEDA) Act.
The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and controlling emissions, particularly from brick kilns, which are known for contributing significantly to smog and environmental degradation in Punjab.
The app will also aid in monitoring industrial waste disposal and water pollution, further strengthening Punjab’s efforts to combat climate change and protect public health.
With the launch of the EcoWatch app, Punjab has set a precedent for other provinces in Pakistan, paving the way for a more efficient and technology-driven approach to environmental protection.
This step is being hailed as a milestone in Pakistan’s environmental governance, as it not only enhances monitoring but also holds industries accountable for their role in protecting the environment.
