Bird Nest removal underway around Lahore Airport
EPA officials say the agency's Aerial Surveillance Force is conducting reconnaissance flights over key locations, including Lahore Airport, to identify bird activity and nesting sites. They are using advanced technology to geo‑tag nests and bird cages on digital maps, enabling swift removal. The e‑mapping process is expected to conclude within two days.
According to the EPA's latest 'Dening Report,' a targeted operation near Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison, close to Harbanspura Ring Road, removed 20 kite nests and 30 crow nests. Pigeon cages were also dismantled at five different locations, including Baden Road and Gulshan Park.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warned that bird nests pose a serious threat to aircraft and urged the public to refrain from feeding birds in open spaces or on rooftops.
The district administration has launched inspections of marriage halls, restaurants, and meat shops. In Nishat Colony and Arbab Market, four shopkeepers were fined, and their premises sealed for maintaining open‑air poultry and meat stalls.
Municipal teams have cleared unnecessary branches and garbage from Khurshid Alam Road, Javed Cheema Chowk, and Zarar Shaheed Road, eliminating potential nesting grounds.
In a separate action, the provincial wildlife department removed 15 kite nests and 20 crow nests from PAF Golf Club. The operation's next phase is now moving from Mehfooz Garrison toward the Harbanspura Ring Road.
EPA has appealed to the public to avoid throwing leftover meat or sacrificial offerings in open areas, warning that such practices attract birds and increase air‑accident risk. Strict action will be taken against violators.
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Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business Recorder
EPA launches surveillance to eliminate bird nesting around airports
LAHORE: The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday announced that it will complete comprehensive e-mapping of bird cages and nests in Lahore and other sensitive areas within two days through its dedicated aerial surveillance force. Using advanced technologies, the identification of bird nests in sensitive areas, including Lahore, is progressing swiftly. The EPA's aerial surveillance squad is actively conducting drone-based monitoring and video recording. Locations of all vulnerable nests are being digitally mapped. In case of heightened risk of air accidents, immediate 'de-nesting' operations — the removal of nests — will be initiated. The EPA has devised a rapid response strategy to mitigate bird-related threats near airports and other sensitive zones. According to the de-nesting report dated July 24, the EPA squad conducted a successful operation near Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road, removing 20 kite and 30 crow nests. The area has since been declared clear of threats. Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that bird nests pose a serious danger to aircraft, urging citizens to avoid scattering bird feed on rooftops or in open spaces. She stressed that public cooperation is vital for ensuring aerial safety and warned that violators will face strict action. A coordinated crackdown by district administration is underway to prevent bird-related air hazards near airports. Five successful operations were carried out in areas like Badian Road and Gulshan Park, where pigeon cages were dismantled and other potential bird habitats were eliminated. Actions were also taken against poultry and meat shops operating in open areas of Nishat Colony and others. Four shops were fined and shutdown on the spot. Citizens have been urged not to discard sacrificial or leftover meat in open areas, as it attracts birds that may contribute to air accidents. The EPA teams inspected wedding halls and restaurants for improper food waste disposal, issuing notices to three venues for non-compliance. On Khurshid Alam Road, unnecessary tree branches were trimmed to remove nests and control the bird population. Garbage was cleared from Javed Cheema Chowk, Zarrar Shaheed Road, and Jore Pul, as authorities noted that open waste is a major cause of bird congregation. Surveillance has been intensified from Dharampura to Jallo and along Canal Road, where sacrificial meat sellers have been identified. Local vendors have been directed to comply with regulations. At the PAF Golf Club, a wildlife team removed 20 crow and 15 kite nests to help secure the airspace. Minister Maryam Aurangzeb added that the Lahore wildlife team is now heading toward Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road for the next phase of operations, fully prepared to curb bird breeding activities as part of the strategic plan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Bird Nest removal underway around Lahore Airport
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has accelerated its aerial surveillance and digital‑mapping operations in and around Lahore, and other sensitive zones, to prevent bird‑related aviation hazards. EPA officials say the agency's Aerial Surveillance Force is conducting reconnaissance flights over key locations, including Lahore Airport, to identify bird activity and nesting sites. They are using advanced technology to geo‑tag nests and bird cages on digital maps, enabling swift removal. The e‑mapping process is expected to conclude within two days. According to the EPA's latest 'Dening Report,' a targeted operation near Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison, close to Harbanspura Ring Road, removed 20 kite nests and 30 crow nests. Pigeon cages were also dismantled at five different locations, including Baden Road and Gulshan Park. Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb warned that bird nests pose a serious threat to aircraft and urged the public to refrain from feeding birds in open spaces or on rooftops. The district administration has launched inspections of marriage halls, restaurants, and meat shops. In Nishat Colony and Arbab Market, four shopkeepers were fined, and their premises sealed for maintaining open‑air poultry and meat stalls. Municipal teams have cleared unnecessary branches and garbage from Khurshid Alam Road, Javed Cheema Chowk, and Zarar Shaheed Road, eliminating potential nesting grounds. In a separate action, the provincial wildlife department removed 15 kite nests and 20 crow nests from PAF Golf Club. The operation's next phase is now moving from Mehfooz Garrison toward the Harbanspura Ring Road. EPA has appealed to the public to avoid throwing leftover meat or sacrificial offerings in open areas, warning that such practices attract birds and increase air‑accident risk. Strict action will be taken against violators.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Trees to ring brick kilns
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a wide-reaching tree plantation campaign at brick kilns across the province to combat air pollution and environmental degradation. According to officials, the initiative under the 'Plant for Pakistan' programme seeks to transform the barren land surroundings over 8,500 brick kilns into green zones, thereby improving public health, reducing smog and air pollution, and protecting the biodiversity and the ecosystem of the province. The officials said the campaign comes as part of the Punjab government's ongoing efforts to address climate change, urban pollution and the environmental toll caused by industrial activities, especially around the thousands of brick kilns in all districts of the province. According to EPA data, at least 8,551 brick kilns are operating throughout the province, of which many are significant contributors to air and soil pollution. The EPA has identified the sites as critical zones for ecological restoration. Under the plan, a total of 513,060 trees will be planted in the vicinity of the kilns, of which 317,195 have already been planted. The plantations represent a strategised intervention using fast-growing, native species to ensure long-term sustainability and environmental resilience. Brick kilns in the province are among the top reasons of air pollution and smog. Lahore and other big cities of Punjab were listed among most polluted cities of the world, especially in the winter, in recent years, forcing the government to close education institutions, industries, brick kilns and markets. During the ongoing campaign, in Lahore division the EPA has planted at least 40,520 trees, Gujranwala 38,726, Multan 26,949, Faisalabad 35,482, Bahawalpur 34,091, Sahiwal 33,174, Sargodha 32,285, Rawalpindi 40,343 and Dera Ghazi Khan 36,080 trees will be planted in this massive campaign. To monitor the growth of the trees, the EPA is utilising the geo-tagging technology. Each plantation site is digitally mapped and monitored through images and data logs submitted by field officers. This digital approach ensures transparency and allows real-time tracking of plant survival rates and campaign reach. Field teams have been engaged in the planting and continue to submit progress evidence. Strict directives have been issued to meet the plantation targets within the timeline. Regional directorates have conducted supervisory visits and provided support to ensure that the implementation adheres to environmental and safety protocols. Key plantation events were organised in several districts, including Kasur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura and Sahiwal, said Punjab Environment Protection Department Communication Adviser Sajid Bashir. Along with the plantation activities, the EPA has organised awareness sessions in schools and communities across the province in this regard. The sessions aim to educate children and residents on the importance of trees, biodiversity and environmental responsibility. In many districts, schoolchildren participated in tree planting. The officials said a unique aspect of the campaign is its focus on planting native tree species, which are better adapted to local climate conditions and offer ecological benefits. These trees not only reduce pollution but also contribute to groundwater recharge, provide shade and enhance the natural beauty of surrounding areas. They said that by targeting high-pollution zones like brick kilns, the EPA is setting a precedent for how environmental restoration can be achieved in harmony with industrial operations.
