Punjab launches first Environmental Protection Force

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the first-ever Environmental Protection Force (EPF) in Punjab. She announced that Punjab’s first climate policy, the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan, has been implemented. A special environmental endowment fund worth Rs15 billion has been established for environment-friendly startups and businesses. Punjab has the distinction of establishing Pakistan’s first EPF for environmental protection.

In her message on the World Environment Day, Maryam Nawaz stated that Punjab’s environmental commitment has transformed within one year, with unprecedented steps taken for environmental protection. A plastic management cell has been established for environmental protection, ensuring a complete ban on single-use plastic. For the first time in Punjab, online registration of plastic manufacturers and sellers has begun.

To combat smog, emission testing certification of vehicles, according to international standards, has been launched, with millions of vehicles registered under this certification in Punjab. Fifty 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 Programme to raise awareness about environmental pollution.

“A GIS squad has been established to ensure environmental protection with the help of artificial intelligence, and four fuel testing labs have been set up to check petrol quality and 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 water quality in rivers and rainwater drains. Environmental benefits are being achieved through tree plantation, recycling and e-bikes via the Chief Minister Green Credit Program”, she said.

She highlighted that the first ‘Strategic Cell’ has been established in the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change to foster public environmental awareness. The EPA has declared Punjab as the first ISO certified agency in Pakistan due to its successful protection measures. A dedicated Helpline ‘1317’ has been established for public feedback on environmental protection. To prevent smog, emission control systems are being installed in over 2,000 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.

To translate environmental pledges into practical action, environmental divisional offices have been established in five divisions, with four new ones being set up.