Authorities to map hazardous industrial units and assess environmental impact in urban areas to protect public health.
Divisional Commissioner Imran Hamid Sheikh has directed relevant departments to carry out a fresh assessment of industrial units responsible for air pollution and the discharge of chemically contaminated wastewater in urban areas.
The decision was announced during a meeting of the District Industrial Relocation Committee held on Monday to review progress on the ongoing industrial relocation programme.
During the meeting, the commissioner emphasized the need for a comprehensive evaluation of industries operating within city limits that may be contributing to environmental degradation and public health concerns.
He instructed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Labour Department, and Industries Department to jointly conduct a detailed survey and submit a report identifying industrial units causing air pollution or releasing hazardous wastewater.
The commissioner also ordered the preparation of complete mapping and updated data to support the phased relocation of industrial units deemed harmful to human health.
He said that accurate information and geographical mapping of such industries would enable authorities to make informed decisions regarding relocation and environmental management.
Imran Hamid Sheikh stressed that the protection of public health and environmental sustainability remains a top priority for the administration. He noted that industries found to be posing significant environmental or health risks would face appropriate action under the relocation strategy.
Highlighting the importance of long-term planning, the commissioner directed departments concerned to compile comprehensive records of all polluting industrial units across urban areas.
The collected data will serve as a foundation for implementing a structured and phased relocation process aimed at reducing pollution and improving living conditions for residents.
To ensure steady progress on the initiative, the commissioner scheduled another review meeting in 15 days to assess developments and evaluate the findings of the fresh survey.
The meeting was attended by Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) Director General Muhammad Asif Chaudhry, Deputy Director EPA Usman Azhar, Director Labour Welfare Rai Yasin, Assistant Commissioner (General) Atiya Inayat, and District Officer Industries Muhammad Irfan, along with other officials involved in the industrial relocation programme.