Approving the distribution of solar power systems among 50,000 households in Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to immediately launch the pilot project to evaluate its efficiency.
Presiding over a meeting to have a detailed briefing on technical issues regarding the 1kW solar systems for the domestic consumers, she said the Roshan Punjab Programme was aimed to free the poor of expensive electricity.
Protected consumers consuming up to 100 units of electricity per month will be eligible under the programme in the first phase. Two solar panels, a battery, inverter and wires will be provided to the consumers.
The chief minister was informed that the 1kW solar system can run fans, lights and small motors. Up to 16 hours of charging backup can be provided through the lithium ion battery.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the officials concerned to install the solar systems using the latest technology. She emphasised the need to use the best quality solar plates, inverters, batteries and accessories.
“The scope of solar systems for domestic consumers will be extended gradually,” she added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said in her message on the Earth Day that using electric buses, eco-friendly fuel, modern technology and machinery will solve environmental problems.
She said the use of plastic bags will be banned across Punjab from June 5.
The chief minister appealed to all people, including shopkeepers, shopping malls, restaurants and tandoors to support the campaign of not using plastic bags, to improve human health and to contribute to the elimination of smog. “Do not use plastic bags and other plastic items, especially food and drinking utensils in homes,” she advised the citizens.
She highlighted, “Lectures and training workshops are being organised for the students on the Earth Day, besides the inclusion of relevant subjects in the curriculum.”
The chief minister stated, ”We have started implementing historic measures to make Punjab greener, free from smog and toxic fumes.” She said everyone must work together to protect and improve the environment.
Global warming, increase in toxic gases and other pollutants, deforestation and land erosion are major threats to the planet. Every citizen can extend the life of the earth by planting a tree and not using plastic shopping bags, she added.
The chief minister lamented, ”The toxic smoke produced by burning plastic bags and other items is spreading cancer and other diseases. Industrial toxins are poisoning our water, causing stomach, liver and kidney diseases.”
“Improving the environment, new hospitals and treatment facilities, and the largest plantation drive in Punjab's history are parts of the government's efforts to improve public health, she added.
Virtual police station
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the country’s first virtual women police station at the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) headquarters. “Women will not have to go to the police stations unnecessarily,” she said on the occasion.
The virtual police station will guide women through all stages from registration of FIR to its investigation and trial.
“Women can contact the police through a 15 call, Women Safety App live chat, video call, Punjab Police App and Safe City web portal. In the virtual women police station, all problems faced by women, including harassment will be solved on a priority basis,” she said.
She said the complainants would be able to share their problems with complete privacy and confidence without revealing their names and addresses.
IT graduate women police communication officers have been posted in the facility.
On instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, 100 modern emergency panic 15 buttons have also been installed in Lahore.
Panic buttons installed in universities and colleges, markets, intersections and bazaars can be pressed to immediately connect to the Safe Cities Authority.
An anonymous complaint mechanism against police officials has also been made operational.
The CM also launched a free Wi-Fi service at more than 50 locations across Lahore.
She was informed that 19 types of traffic violations were being penalized in Lahore by using artificial intelligence.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2024.
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