- Punjab CM says her govt unveiled first-ever climate policy, set up Rs15b endowment fund for environment-friendly startups and businesses and first-ever EPF
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated on Thursday that Punjab has taken unprecedented measures to combat climate change, including the introduction of the first-ever climate policy—“Climate“ Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan,” the establishment of a Rs15 billion environmental endowment fund for environment-friendly startups and businesses, and Pakistan’s first Environmental Protection Force (EPF) for environmental protection.
In a special message on World Environment Day, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz said that Punjab’s environmental commitment has entirely changed in a span of one year, with unprecedented steps for environmental improvement. “A plastic management cell has been established for environmental protection, which is ensuring a complete ban on single-use plastic,” she added.
She revealed that for the first time in Punjab, online registration of plastic manufacturers and sellers has been started. For the first time, Emission Testing Certification of vehicles according to international standards has been launched to combat smog hazards, while millions of vehicles have been registered under Emission Testing Certification in Punjab.
She apprised that 50 air quality monitoring stations have been installed across the province to monitor the environmental situation. She highlighted that thousands of youth are actively working in cities and villages under the Climate Leadership and Development Internship Program to create awareness among the public about the elimination of environmental pollution. She disclosed that a GIS squad has been established to ensure environmental protection with the help of artificial intelligence.
She outlined, “Four fuel testing labs have been established to check the quality of petrol to prevent smog. Sprinkler systems are being installed on buildings under construction to prevent dust. For the first time, 15 water quality monitoring stations are being established to check the quality of water in rivers and rainwater drains. Environmental benefits are being achieved through tree plantation, recycling, and e-bikes through the ‘Chief Minister Green Credit Program.”
She emphasized, “The first ‘Strategic Cell’ has been established in the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change to create environmental awareness and consciousness among the public. EPA has declared Punjab as the first ESO-certified agency in Pakistan owing to successful measures being taken for environmental protection.
The first dedicated helpline, ‘1317,’ has been established for public feedback regarding environmental protection. To prevent smog, emission control systems are being installed in more than 2000 industrial units, and e-mapping of all units is being carried out. For the first time in Punjab, all brick kilns have been shifted to zigzag technology.”
She highlighted, “In order to convert the environmental pledge into practical action, environmental divisional offices have been established in five divisions, and four new divisional offices are being established. For the first time in Punjab, environmental social safeguard training is being organized in the government departments. A ‘Green Punjab app’ has also been established for the convenience of the public. The electric bus service has been launched in Lahore; 1,100 more electric buses will be provided in all divisions. Special charging stations are being set up for the vehicles in Punjab.”
