Punjab sets deadline for smoke-emitting vehicles before smog season

Punjab Transport Authority Secretary Hassan Ahsan announced the crackdown as part of efforts to control air pollution. The campaign will target private vehicles producing excessive smoke across the province.

Joint efforts to control air pollution

Hassan Ahsan said the Transport Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other institutions have worked together to tackle air pollution. He said these combined efforts helped improve the smog situation last year.

The secretary said authorities are now preparing early for the upcoming smog season. The main focus will be on reducing harmful emissions from vehicles.

Vehicle fitness checks increased

Hassan Ahsan said commercial vehicle fitness certifications increased by 18% as authorities strengthened checks. The move is aimed at ensuring vehicles meet required environmental and safety standards.

He said around 24 million vehicles are registered with the Excise Department. The department will issue stickers for vehicles for one year as part of the monitoring and compliance system.

Action against violating vehicles

The secretary said authorities will take action against vehicles that violate environmental regulations. The campaign will be carried out in coordination with traffic police.

Officials are expected to increase monitoring of vehicles as the smog season approaches. Vehicles producing excessive smoke could face action under the relevant rules.

Crackdown to begin from October 15

The crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles will begin across Punjab from October 15, 2026. Authorities hope the campaign will help reduce vehicle emissions before smog levels rise.

The government’s wider efforts are focused on controlling air pollution and improving environmental conditions. Better vehicle checks could also help reduce health and visibility problems linked to severe smog.

The crackdown shows that Punjab is preparing early for the smog season. Vehicle emissions are one of the major areas authorities are focusing on.

Stricter checks and better monitoring may help reduce pollution from vehicles. The success of the campaign will depend on consistent enforcement across the province.

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