EPA bans new car wash stations across Punjab

LAHORE : Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has imposed a complete ban on establishment of new car wash stations across the province.

In this regard, EPA Punjab Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under Section 6 (1) (t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997, imposed a complete ban on the establishment of new car wash stations within the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Punjab.

The office order issued on Saturday stated that whereas, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), through its National Drought Monitoring Centre (NDMC) issued advisory that Punjab province has experienced 42% below normal rainfall from 1st September 2024 to 15th January 2025, leading to mild to moderate drought conditions.

It further said the operation of car wash stations involved the consumption of substantial quantities of water (around 400 liters per car wash). The establishment of new service stations during a period of impending drought would exacerbate the already strained water resources of the province, potentially leading to severe environmental and socio-economic consequences.

DG EPA, in his order, made it clear that Environmental Protection Agency, Punjab, was mandated to anticipate and mitigate potential environmental hazards and to ensure the prudent use of natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

He maintained that EPA Punjab was empowered to take all necessary measures for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the environment, prevention and control of pollution, and promotion of sustainable development.

He warned that strict action will be taken against the violators as his order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until modified or withdrawn. “Any violation of this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC),” the order concluded.

Meanwhile, Lahore, Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza directed Wasa officials to immediately repair damaged sewer lines and cover open manholes without delay, emphasising that negligence in these matters will not be tolerated.He instructed MCL to continue indiscriminate operations against encroachments across the city.“Not even an inch of encroachment will be tolerated,” he stated clearly. He issued these directions during his visit to different city localities on Saturday.

In line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s vision for a cleaner and more livable Lahore, Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza has intensified his tehsil-wise field inspections under the ongoing Clean Mission.

As part of the campaign, he visited various locations in Wagah Town to assess sanitation conditions and review on-ground implementation of cleanliness measures.

The inspection focused on evaluating cleanliness efforts and civic maintenance at various locations, including Quaid-e-Azam Interchange, Rampura, Canal Road, MQasim Road, and surrounding areas.

Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) Chief Officer Shahid Abbas Kathia, Assistant Commissioner Wahga Town Aamir Butt, and other officials accompanied the DC during the visit.

AC Wahga briefed the DC on the sanitation mechanism and operations in the area.

During the visit, the DC expressed displeasure over the presence of garbage at certain points and issued strict instructions to Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) officials.

“LWMC authorities must clear identified garbage points on a priority basis and ensure such negligence is not repeated,” he warned.

The DC also engaged with local residents to discuss the sanitation situation.

The citizens appreciated the improved cleanliness arrangements and acknowledged the efforts of DC Lahore and LWMC workers.

The DC appealed to the public, stating, “Citizens must dispose of waste in designated bins and refrain from throwing garbage in open areas.”

He further emphasized that administrative officers must remain active in the field and closely monitor performance of field teams to ensure visible results.

Syed Musa Raza said that efforts are in full swing to fulfill Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of a cleaner, well-maintained Lahore. –APP