Rs540m allocated to environment

LAHORE: With an increase of 191.89% in its budget, the environment department has got Rs540 million as compared to Rs185 million announced last year in the annual provincial budget.

Seven new schemes to the tune of Rs382 million have been announced for sustainable development and environment-friendly economic growth.

In line with the Punjab Growth Strategy, Sustainable Development Goals and Sectoral Plan of the Department, Environment Protection Department has planned new initiatives for achieving its targets, such as phase-II of capacity building of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revamping of EPA, industrial pollution monitoring, public education and awareness, natural water bodies protection and technology transfer for environmental pollution control.



As per the budget allocation plan for new regular schemes, Rs70 million has been allocated for strengthening of strategic planning and implementation unit, Rs30 million has been set aside for enhanced environmental quality monitoring system for Punjab’s air, surface and ground water resources. Meanwhile, Rs12 million has been allotted for commercialisation opportunities for fly ash utilisation.

New foreign aided projects include revitalisation of River Ravi for Rs70 million, whereas, Rs200 million has been set aside for new miscellaneous projects such as pollution control and resource conservation in foundries, rice husk units and stone crusher, establishment of environmental technology center and phase II of capacity building of EPA for enforcement of environmental standards in Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2017.