- Five color-coded bins to be installed in all government, private institutions by Sept 30
- Senior Minister Aurangzeb to supervise project, violators to face penalties, compliant schools to earn certificates
- Initiative aims to recycle waste, reduce pollution and train youth in sustainable practices
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the launch of the “Smart Waste Management Process” across all government and private educational institutions in the province, aimed at promoting recycling, reducing pollution, and cultivating eco-friendly practices among students.
According to a notification issued by the provincial government, educational institutions will now be required to install five-colour coded dustbins for separate disposal of waste. The process is to be completed by September 30, 2025, with inspections commencing from October 1, 2025. Institutions failing to comply will face penalties.
Under the plan, yellow bins will be designated for useless papers, green bins for bottles, red bins for iron and other metals, and separate bins will be assigned for glass, laboratory waste, and general garbage. The collected materials will be recycled for further use.
Punjab Senior Minister for Environment and Climate Change Maryam Aurangzeb will supervise the province-wide initiative, while Education Minister Rana Sikandar and Local Government Minister Zeeshan Malik have been given specific operational targets. The Local Government Department, the Community Development Department, and teams from the Environment Protection body will carry out inspections to ensure compliance.
To encourage participation, the government will also award honorary certificates to educational institutions that fully meet the project’s requirements. Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly reduce the burden of waste and foster a clean and student-friendly environment.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized that environmental responsibility must be inculcated at the grassroots level. “Educational institutions are the best place to train our younger generations in sustainable practices,” she said, adding that the project was part of her government’s broader vision for a green, clean Punjab.
Flood-hit livestock relief
Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to ensure the smooth supply of animal fodder in flood-affected areas of Punjab after taking notice of reports about rising prices.
Provincial Minister for Livestock and Rescue Ashiq Hussain Kirmani briefed the chief minister on the ongoing operations, revealing that as many as 4.7 million animals were affected by the floods. Out of these, 2.2 million animals had been shifted to safer places, while more than 2 million animals were vaccinated to prevent disease outbreaks.
He further informed that 824 animals were lost during the flood season despite extensive rescue efforts. The chief minister directed that special focus be placed on maintaining fodder supply chains to prevent further distress for farmers and livestock owners.
Maryam Nawaz said her government was committed to extending maximum relief to both citizens and the agricultural economy impacted by floods. “Protecting livestock means protecting livelihoods, and the government will not leave farmers alone in this crisis,” she added.
