Action plan aimed at smog-free Punjab ready

The maiden Punjab Climate Change Policy and Action Plan 2024 has been given a final shape for submission to the provincial cabinet for approval.

Presiding over a meeting, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the draft should be sent to all stakeholders. Punjab Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Raja Jahangir Anwar presented the proposed draft and gave a detailed briefing on it.

According to an official statement, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision for the elimination of smog along with hazardous impacts of climate change has been formulated in the plan.

It was decided that the 'Plant for Pakistan' campaign would be expedited, 'green investment' made in the affected sectors and climate change included in the curriculum.

The participants unanimously agreed on a proposal to introduce latest methods in the Irrigation system for water conservation along with establishing small dams in the Pothohar and Rohi areas.

A proposal to conserve and utilise rainwater in government buildings along with launching experimental programs for the purpose in various districts was reviewed in the meeting.

A proposal to establish a water quality monitoring system along with introducing laws to control underground water was also reviewed.