‘Zero-Tolerance’: CM Maryam orders crackdown on petrol hoarders

• Punjab CM mobilises PERA across Punjab against ‘petrol mafia,’ saying ample petroleum stocks available

• Says petrol pumps found hoarding fuel to be sealed, licences cancelled

• Approves construction of 358 underground tanks to tackle rainwater drainage, recharge groundwater

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday ordered a vigorous crackdown on hoarders and profiteers involved in stockpiling petroleum products, directing authorities to take immediate and strict action against those creating artificial shortages, according to a handout issued by the Punjab DGPR.

The Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) has been mobilised across the province, and officials have been instructed to launch an extensive operation against elements attempting to exploit the situation by hoarding fuel supplies, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

“The authorities have been directed to take strict action against elements involved in creating artificial shortages in order to earn illegal profits,” the chief minister said.

Under the directives, petrol pumps found involved in hoarding or profiteering will be sealed immediately and their licences cancelled.

Maryam Nawaz also directed PERA to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against hoarders and instructed field officers to ensure strict monitoring of petrol pumps across the province.

The chief minister said the Punjab administration had devised a strong enforcement mechanism to curb the activities of the so-called “petrol mafia,” making it clear that no one would be allowed to exploit the public by creating panic or artificial shortages under the pretext of tensions in the Gulf region.

She emphasised that sufficient petroleum products were available across the province and urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours.

A strong warning has also been issued against speculation and false claims regarding petroleum shortages, stating that those spreading rumours about artificial scarcity would face strict consequences.

CM approves construction of 358 underground water storage tanks

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the launch of a major project to construct 358 underground storage tanks across the province for rainwater drainage and groundwater recharge.

The decision was taken during a special video-link meeting chaired by the chief minister to review progress on the Punjab Development Programme, clean water initiatives and the Model Village Project. The chief minister also conducted a pictorial review of ongoing development schemes.

Officials informed the meeting that the mega project would be implemented for the first time in Punjab to effectively manage rainwater and improve groundwater levels.

Under the plan, 34 large underground storage tanks will be constructed in major cities to ensure timely drainage of rainwater, while 324 roadside underground tanks will be built to quickly remove water accumulated on roads.

Recharge wells will also be constructed alongside the underground tanks to help improve the underground water table. The stored water will be treated through water treatment plants and reused for irrigation purposes.

In addition, 328 wastewater treatment plants will be established across the province.

The meeting was informed that 6,100 kilometres of streets would be paved and 3,498 kilometres of sewerage lines laid in various cities. Streetlights will be installed at 14,679 locations, while 33 million square feet of tuff tiles will be laid in streets and pathways.

To further improve drainage and municipal services, 526 modern machines and tractors will also be provided.

A factory for producing sewerage pipelines with a lifespan of up to 100 years has been installed in Lahore and is expected to begin production soon.

Officials further briefed the meeting that projects under the Punjab Development Programme have already been initiated in Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujrat, Okara, Jhang, Multan and Sialkot, while work will soon begin in Jhelum, Hafizabad, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib and Rawalpindi.

Under the Punjab Rural Sanitation Improvement Programme, drainage systems will be developed in rural areas. Development schemes worth Rs59 billion will be implemented in 485 villages under the Model Village Project, while work has already started in 200 villages.

Cleaning of wastewater ponds and installation of wastewater treatment plants will also be undertaken, and treated water will be supplied to agricultural fields for irrigation.

The chief minister directed authorities to ensure the functionality of filtration plants for the provision of clean drinking water. She also instructed that paving of village streets should be given priority and that drainage projects must be completed before the monsoon season.

She further directed the early completion of drainage projects in Gujrat and Sialkot.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the scale of development work currently underway in Punjab had not been witnessed over the past 70 to 80 years, adding that within five years a transformed, modern and beautiful Punjab would emerge.