The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a province-wide crackdown on smoke-emitting Heavy Transport Vehicles (HTVs) operated by schools, colleges, hospitals, and industrial organizations as part of the government’s broader anti-smog efforts. According to the EPA, many of these vehicles are poorly maintained and have become significant contributors to winter smog due to excessive emissions. Their operation violates Section 15 of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997, which prohibits running vehicles that surpass permitted emission or noise levels.

To curb this problem, the EPA has directed all institutions to have their buses, vans, coasters, and other HTVs tested and certified through the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System operated by the Transport Department. Only vehicles that meet environmental standards will be permitted on the road. Those failing to comply will face strict penalties under the Punjab Environmental Protection (Motor Vehicles) Rules 2013, including fines and possible impoundment. The EPA has also indicated that police assistance may be requested to seize vehicles that continue to operate despite receiving warnings.

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In support of the enforcement campaign, the Excise and Taxation Department has been asked to provide registration data for all institutional HTVs to district environment officers. EPA field teams will carry out inspections, issue direction slips for violations, and impound vehicles that fail to meet emission requirements. Weekly compliance reports will be submitted to the Director General to ensure consistent monitoring and enforcement across the province.