Pakistan launches first-ever environmental drone surveillance

In a major leap toward tech-driven environmental monitoring, Pakistan has launched its first environmental drone surveillance system in Punjab, marking a groundbreaking move to combat industrial pollution.

Spearheaded by the Environment Department, the initiative employs advanced thermal drone technology to monitor and penalize environmental violations in real time.

The new aerial surveillance company, now operational, has already made waves by detecting three illegal pyrolysis plants operating in Lahore’s Mehmood Booti area.

In addition, four more industries were flagged for releasing harmful emissions, and authorities seized hundreds of carbon-filled sacks during the crackdown. The surveillance findings have been compiled into an official report, with accountability measures initiated against the officers responsible.

Director General of the Environment Department, Imran Hamid Sheikh, hailed the development as a transformative step in environmental governance.

“All industries and brick kilns will be e-mapped through drone surveillance,” he said. “Not only will this allow us to catch polluters red-handed, but it will also enable us to evaluate the performance of our environmental officers using direct drone footage.”

Officials believe this drone-based monitoring system will fill critical enforcement gaps, enhance transparency, and bolster the government’s efforts to curb environmental degradation.