CM urges public support for plastic-free Punjab

Calls upon youth to become an environment-friendly force

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the citizens to extend their complete cooperation in launching the Plastic and Pollution-Free Punjab campaign on the World Environment Day.

The aim of the campaign is to inform and impart awareness to the general public regarding the use of life-threatening plastic. Students will be encouraged to use cloth bags and paper products as alternatives to plastic.

Tree plantation activities were also organised to celebrate the World Environment Day. In a message, the chief minister urged the youth to become an environment-friendly force. "The Zero Plastic Campaign is not just a one-day event, but we need to make it a part of our daily routine," she added.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that Punjab's first climate policy, vision and action plan had been implemented. An environmental endowment fund worth Rs15 billion has been established for start-ups and businesses. The province has also launched Pakistan's first Environmental Protection Force.

Mentioning the steps taken for environmental improvement in the past year, she said a plastic management cell had been established, which was ensuring a ban on single-use plastic. Online registration of plastic manufacturers and sellers has been started.

Millions of vehicles have been registered through emission testing certification.

The CM said 50 air quality monitoring stations have been installed across the province and thousands of youth are actively working in cities and villages under the Climate Leadership and Development Internship Programme to create awareness about pollution. A GIS squad has been established to ensure environmental protection with the help of artificial intelligence.

She said four fuel testing labs have been established to check the quality of petrol to prevent smog. Sprinkler systems are being installed at under-construction buildings to prevent dust.

In addition, 15 water quality monitoring stations are being established to monitor rivers and rainwater drains. Environmental benefits are also being achieved through recycling and e-bikes.