‘Plastic water bottles major contributor to environmental crisis’

LAHORE:There is urgent need to reduce the use of plastic products particularly single use plastic water bottles, which are a major contributor to environmental degradation. “Plastic water bottles cause irreparable damage to the environment”.

Punjab Saaf Pani Authority (PSPA) Chief Executive Officer Syed Zahid Aziz shared these thoughts while addressing a seminar held at a local hotel under the global theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ on Thursday. The seminar was organised under the banner of the Punjab Green Credit Programme, an initiative of Punjab Chief Minister in connection with World Environment Day 2025.

Several environmental experts, government officials, and members of civil society participated in the seminar to discuss innovative strategies for tackling use of plastic waste. In his address, the PSPA CEO said that that combating single use plastics requires lifestyle changes in our daily routines to create a lasting positive impact on the environment. He also announced that, on the direction of the Chief Minister of Punjab, PSPA is actively reviving all inactive water filtration plants across the province. He emphasised that restoring access to safe and clean drinking water through these plants will help reduce the public’s reliance on bottled water contributing to both public health and environmental sustainability. Syed Zahid Aziz revealed PSPA’s pioneering move to explore carbon credit opportunities on the international market. This initiative positions PSPA as the first public sector entity in Punjab to pursue such an environmentally progressive step, aiming to support broader efforts in climate change mitigation. The seminar concluded with a strong call to action, encouraging citizens, businesses, and policymakers to embrace ecofriendly alternatives and work together for a cleaner, greener Punjab.