The Punjab government has introduced a drone surveillance system to closely monitor brick kilns across the province, following the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. This initiative marks the first time advanced drone technology is being deployed to track environmental compliance and curb pollution from kiln operations.
According to official sources, the move aims to ensure that all brick kiln owners follow environmental regulations, particularly the use of zigzag technology, which helps reduce harmful emissions. The surveillance system will enable real-time monitoring, data collection, and prompt action against violators.
Under CM Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, the provincial administration has prioritized environmental protection and public health. Authorities stated that drones will be used to detect operational kilns using outdated and polluting methods, which will then face fines or closure. The technology will also help track compliance with clean fuel usage and emission control standards.
Officials from the Environment Protection Department (EPD) confirmed that special teams have been trained to operate drones and analyze data from the monitoring process. The collected footage will be directly shared with relevant departments for swift decision-making and enforcement actions.
Experts believe this digital shift reflects Punjab’s broader environmental reforms aimed at achieving sustainable industrial practices. The introduction of drone surveillance also supports CM Maryam Nawaz’s vision of a cleaner and greener Punjab, aligning with her climate-responsible governance agenda.
A senior EPD official said that this system would not only ensure transparency but also minimize the manual inspection workload. “The drones provide an efficient and transparent way to identify environmental violations without human interference,” he noted.
In addition, the initiative is expected to contribute to reducing smog, which remains a recurring problem in several parts of Punjab during winter. By identifying smoke-emitting kilns promptly, authorities hope to mitigate one of the major causes of air pollution in the province.
The government’s proactive measures in environmental monitoring come alongside its broader focus on governance and public welfare. Recently, security forces foiled an infiltration attempt, killing 50 militants another indication of the government’s coordinated approach toward maintaining stability and safety across Pakistan.
With drone surveillance now operational, Punjab’s environmental oversight is expected to become faster, more reliable, and data-driven. The initiative is likely to serve as a model for other provinces aiming to adopt technology-based monitoring systems for industrial regulation.
