Through targeted drone surveillance, Lahore’s environmental agency has exposed illegal tire-burning pyrolysis plants operating at night, contributing to the city’s worsening smog crisis. The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified evidence of banned operations—even in areas that were formally shut down, highlighting the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement. 

Discovery, Enforcement & Smog Impacts

The EPA deployed drones across eight suspected plant sites—in areas like Karol Ghati, Turki Road, Sharifpura, and Daroghawala—and found three actively operating during inspection hours. Although other sites appeared inactive during flights, signs such as fresh carbon deposits and large tyre stockpiles suggest resumed nighttime activity. 

Following the findings, EPA officials, in collaboration with the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), began demolition efforts against identified facilities. The agency emphasized that emissions from substandard fuels (like those from illegal pyrolysis) breach environmental law and significantly worsen urban air quality. 

Authorities warned that ongoing drone monitoring will continue, and those found violating regulations will face stiff penalties. The EPA also urged citizens to report suspected operations and called on industries to adopt cleaner fuel practices.

According to local media reports, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Pakistan has uncovered the secret nighttime operations of banned pyrolysis plants in Lahore, which have been identified as a major contributor to the city’s worsening smog problem. The findings were published in the agency’s latest drone surveillance report.

The EPA’s drone squad inspected eight plants in areas including Karol Ghati, Turki Road, Sharifpura, and Daroghawala. While three facilities were found to be operating during the inspection, others appeared to be inactive. However, large tire stockpiles, electrical wiring, and fresh carbon deposits suggested that many resumed activity after dark.

Deputy Director of the EPA Lahore, Ali Ijaz, confirmed that following these findings, the agency, together with the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), launched demolition operations against the illegal facilities. He noted that under current environmental laws, the use or transportation of substandard fuels, such as those derived from tires, is strictly prohibited due to their harmful emissions.

Authorities have emphasized that strict monitoring will continue, and violators will face severe penalties. The EPA also urged industries to adopt cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives, and called on citizens to report any suspected illegal operations. Plans are underway to expand drone surveillance to other smog-affected areas in Pakistan ahead of the high-pollution season.

Source: Daily Times.

Learn more:

• Tire Pyrolysis Project
• Pyrolysis Oil Fuel Credits
• Tyre Pyrolysis Guide
• Plastic Pyrolysis Solutions
• Tire Pyrolysis Plant Setup

Stand Against Illegal Emissions — Partner with Klean for a Clean Path Forward

Accountability. Innovation. One Partner That Amplifies Impact.

Illegal tire-burning is more than a regulatory issue; it’s a public health crisis. Klean Industries combines technical expertise in pyrolysis, emissions control, and clean alternatives to help governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders implement change and scale effective solutions.

Klean’s Enforcement & Clean Alternatives Strengths:
✅ Drone & remote monitoring integration for environmental oversight
✅ Technical validation of clean pyrolysis / recycling systems
✅ Emissions modeling & compliance pathway development
✅ Transition planning from illegal to regulated operations
✅ Advisory from enforcement strategy through implementation

With Klean’s domain insight, you can turn exposure into transformation—reducing smog, emissions, and community risk.

Ready to move from enforcement to solutions?

Connect with a Klean Industries Tire Pyrolysis Expert Now » GO.