Punjab authorities have decided to take strict action against wedding halls operating without the required suction hoods as part of efforts to control smog and air pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says wedding halls across the province that operate commercial kitchens without proper suction hoods will face closure and sealing.
According to officials, January 31 was the deadline for wedding halls to install suction hoods to control smoke and polluted emissions from their commercial kitchens. With the deadline now expired, authorities say no further concession will be given to halls violating the requirement.
Field officers have started action against violators on the directions of Director General Environment Abdullah Nair Sheikh. Officials say wedding halls found violating the rules may be sealed and their owners could also face heavy fines.
The EPA says it is following a zero-tolerance policy against pollution from commercial kitchens. Officials further claim that more than 500 restaurants have already been sealed for failing to install suction hoods.
