Punjab eyes AI-driven sanitation

CM orders rollout ahead of Eidul Azha

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has decided to introduce a "smart sanitation" system across the province under its Suthra Punjab programme, with a formal rollout planned ahead of Eidul Azha.

Officials said following a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif that the initiative marks the first large-scale use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the province's waste management system.

They said AI tools would be deployed to identify garbage hotspots, monitor field operations and track staff performance in real time.

According to a briefing given during the meeting, more than 40,000 vehicles and 176,000 sanitation workers will operate under AI-based monitoring.

The officials said fines would be imposed on the spot for negligence, while AI-enabled cameras mounted on motorcycles would capture live images and support real-time surveillance in the field.

The system will also include digital mapping, a beat-based monitoring structure and an AI-powered complaint cell to improve response times. A new mobile application has been introduced to track staff attendance, while field officers have been assigned to physically verify operations at the union council level.

Special arrangements are being planned for the Eid, when waste volumes typically surge.

Authorities said the number of waste collection centres would be increased and special bags distributed for the disposal of animal remains.