Punjab Launches SMART Environment Protection Force: Drones and AI to Combat Pollution Crisis

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the SMART Environment Protection Force on April 21, 2025, South Asia's first green policing force powered by technology. Equipped with drone surveillance, real-time AQI monitoring, and mobile labs, the force will enforce environmental law, monitor industrial emissions, and curb illegal waste dumping.

 

Salient features:

 

AI-based analysis: Mobile labs to test air/water quality in the field with real-time violation alerts.

 

Hotspot targeting: Drones to identify sources of pollution in industrial zones and urban centers. 

 

Public interface: Grievance redressal system for citizens to report violations directly to the force.

 

The initiative will address Punjab's worsening air quality, which consistently violates WHO safety thresholds. CM Maryam called it a "paradigm shift" in the environment sector.

 

Sources: Pakistan Today, APP