City-specific funds

Faisalabad faces critical environmental challenges such as worsening air quality, untreated industrial and municipal wastewater flowing into rivers, rapidly depleting groundwater and increasing incidents of heatwaves and urban flooding. Despite this, there does not appear to be any targeted funding for wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting, urban forestry or green infrastructure within the city. While initiatives like the Air Safe Programme and plantation campaigns are commendable, they must include earmarked funds for Faisalabad. Likewise, the Punjab Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department’s capacity enhancement should focus on monitoring and enforcement in high-risk districts like ours.

Faisalabad contributes significantly to the province’s economy. It deserves a fair share of environmental protection and climate adaptation investments. Neglecting this will not only harm local residents but also undercut Punjab’s broader environmental goals. I urge the Punjab government to ensure Faisalabad’s inclusion in ongoing and future climate initiatives. The cost of inaction will be far greater than the investment needed now.

Naeem Ahmad

Faisalabad