Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the provincial government is actively tackling climate change and promoting environmental sustainability, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the forefront of these efforts.
She was speaking at the International Conference on Climate Change in Lahore, where she said that Punjab is making historic efforts to combat air pollution, water scarcity, and environmental degradation.
She also underscored that CM Maryam Nawaz has taken a regional leadership role in environmental protection and is initiating a dialogue with India to address air pollution, which significantly impacts both countries.
This marks a step towards cross-border cooperation in tackling shared environmental challenges.
To strengthen environmental protection efforts, the Punjab government has allocated Rs10 billion specifically for anti-smog measures and an additional Rs100 billion for climate resilience projects.
The key initiatives include an Air Quality Monitoring and Control System. Under this initiative, 30 new monitors of AQI have already been installed to provide real-time data on satellite-linked air quality monitoring.
There are a further 60 that will be installed by March to bring the total up to 100 monitors in Punjab.
To reduce industrial emissions, brick kilns have been converted to zigzag technology, allowing for real-time monitoring of emissions, while industries have been mapped and equipped with environmental control systems.
To address agricultural pollution, particularly stubble burning, the government has subsidized crop spreaders by 60%, providing farmers with a sustainable alternative to burning crop residue.
The successful pilot project of the biogas plant is coupled with the commitment to renewable energy by the government.
On the other hand, across Punjab, plastic bags are being strictly banned while 27 electric buses under the e-Mass Transit Program are made operational in Lahore to strengthen the cause of better surroundings.
Moreover, retrofitting of two- and three-wheelers is also being carried out by the government to further reduce vehicular emissions.
