Latest news with #CleanPunjab
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Air Punjab and the Bullet Train
The spirit of hard work and dedication to public service is a legacy Maryam Nawaz has proudly inherited. Her father, former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, launched numerous welfare initiatives during his tenure, from which millions continue to benefit to this day. In Punjab, the Orange Line and Metro Bus services stand as successful examples of his vision. Now, under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, new projects like Air Punjab, the Bullet Train, and the Yellow Line are set to usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the province. While electric bikes and buses are already operating across Punjab, the 'Clean Punjab' mega initiative is rapidly transforming the province's cities and towns. Even critics now acknowledge that under this programme, cleanliness and improved sanitation are evident even in remote rural areas — a remarkable achievement of the Maryam Nawaz administration. Maryam Nawaz's government is not only swiftly delivering public welfare projects but also making bold, historic decisions. Recently, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced two landmark initiatives: the launch of Pakistan's first provincial airline, Air Punjab, and the introduction of Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train. In a special cabinet meeting, she formally approved both projects. Initially, four aircraft will be leased for Air Punjab, with domestic flights commencing immediately. In its second year, Air Punjab plans to expand operations internationally. Maryam Nawaz has directed that Air Punjab be developed into Pakistan's premier airline. Simultaneously, a decision was made to operate Pakistan's first high-speed Bullet Train between Lahore and Rawalpindi, reducing travel time between the two cities to just two and a half hours. The Chief Minister has entrusted Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb with the special task of overseeing the Bullet Train project. In this regard, Marriyum Aurangzeb has held key meetings with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, and railways officials have briefed her on technical and operational aspects. The proposed Bullet Train route will pass through Lahore, Shahdara, Narowal, Raiwind, Kasur, Pakpattan, Lodhran, Sheikhupura, Jaranwala, Shorkot, Jhang, Sargodha, Lalamusa via Mandi Bahauddin, Faisalabad, Chak Jhumra, and Shahinabad. Additionally, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has instructed that the feasibility study for the Yellow Line project, connecting Jinnah Terminal (Thokar Niaz Baig) to Harbanspura, be completed by May 30. Similarly, the feasibility study for the Gujranwala Mass Transit Line must be finalised by June 15. Important decisions regarding the E-Taxi project have also been made, signalling Punjab's rapid march towards modern and eco-friendly transportation solutions. While Punjab accelerates towards modernity, other provinces present a stark contrast. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, people still rely on makeshift cable crossings (dolis) to traverse rivers, and in Sindh, public transportation outside of Karachi is almost nonexistent. Against this backdrop, Maryam Nawaz's vision is to transform Punjab into a truly modern and developed province. Recently, at an international conference in Türkiye, Lahore was officially declared a 'Tourism City.' To further enhance Lahore's historic beauty, the Punjab government has formed a special committee with Mian Nawaz Sharif himself serving as Patron-in-Chief. His deep love for Lahore is well-known, and he has personally taken responsibility for the city's restoration. Lahore enjoys a unique identity on the global stage. However, to elevate it further, urban management standards must match international benchmarks. The city's cleanliness, lush green spaces, modern transport systems, and well-developed road infrastructure have already contributed to its reputation among the world's most beautiful cities. Citizens, too, must fulfil their responsibility in preserving Lahore's charm. If the Yellow Line is constructed along the Lahore Canal, the city could soon join the ranks of global metropolises like Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Moscow, Paris, and London. The Lahore Canal, a signature landmark of the city's beauty, will be further enhanced by this project. One of Maryam Nawaz's defining traits is her proactive leadership style. Her projects do not remain trapped in bureaucratic files; she personally monitors progress and ensures effective delivery. As a result, her team performs with full commitment and responsibility, helping to translate her vision into reality. (The writer is the PRO of Information Minister Punjab) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-04-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
FWMC lifts over 14,000 tons of waste across four districts
A cleanliness drive was carried out under the "Clean Punjab" program by the Faisalabad Waste Management Company (FWMC), clearing 14,632 tons of waste from all four districts over the three days of Eid. FWMC CEO Rauf Ahmed supervised the field officers and staff, ensuring uninterrupted cleanliness services during the holidays. Waste collection figures stood at 5,251 tons on the first day, 4,861 tons on the second day and 4,520 tons on the third day, with all waste transferred to the designated landfill site. For the first time, the Eid cleanliness operation extended beyond urban areas to rural regions, covering mosques, Eidgahs, and graveyards, which were maintained through water sprinkling and lime disposal. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir visited the District Jail, Old Age Home and Children's Hospital on the first day of Eid and distributed gifts and sweets among prisoners, elderly persons and hospitalised children. At the Children's Hospital, the DC inspected staff attendance, ensuring medical personnel were present and attentive to patients. He also reviewed the quality of meals provided to inmates at the District Jail. Addressing the elderly at an old age home, the DC assured them of the district administration's commitment to their well-being, promising continued efforts to provide the best possible facilities.
Express Tribune
31-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Waste dump to turn into green energy hub
The Lahore Waste Management Company's (LWMC) ambitious project to convert the Mehmood Booti landfill into a solar park and urban forest is progressing rapidly, with authorities expecting to complete the first phase by July and the second phase by the end of the year. The initiative, backed by a five-billion-rupee investment, aims to convert methane gas emissions from the landfill into usable energy while also generating carbon credits. For decades, the towering waste heaps of Mehmood Booti, located north of Lahore Ring Road, posed severe environmental and health hazards, particularly for LWMC workers and nearby residents due to persistent odours and methane emissions. Now, the 42-acre siteonce standing nearly 80 feet highis being rehabilitated with soil covering and reimagined as a sustainable energy and recreational hub. The landfill, which served as Lahore's primary dumping site until 2016 before waste disposal shifted to Lakhodair, is now a key part of the Punjab government's "Clean Punjab" initiative. Overseen by LWMC and the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), the project includes a large-scale methane gas extraction system, where installed plastic pipelines will capture and process the gas for sale to nearby industries. Additionally, an 11-acre solar park atop the landfill will generate approximately 5 megawatts of electricity, while the remaining 31 acres will be transformed into an urban forest with tree plantations and walking trails. RUDA CEO Imran Amin, estimated that the sale of carbon credits could bring in two to three billion rupees annually, with additional revenue from biogas.
Express Tribune
27-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Lahore's Mehmood Booti landfill to become solar park and urban forest
Listen to article The transformation of Lahore Waste Management Company's (LWMC) waste dumping site in Mehmood Booti into a solar park and urban forestry area is progressing rapidly. Authorities anticipate completing the first phase of the project by July this year, with the second phase expected to be finalized by the end of the year. Methane gas emissions from the landfill will be converted into usable energy through an investment of five billion rupees, and the project is also set to generate carbon credits. The towering waste heaps near Mehmood Booti, north of Lahore Ring Road, have long contributed to environmental pollution and health risks for local residents, particularly LWMC workers, due to the persistent odor and methane emissions. However, the 42-acre landfill, which once stood nearly 80 feet high, is now being covered with soil and transformed into a solar park and urban forest. Most of Lahore's waste was historically dumped at this site until 2016 when it was closed, and waste disposal was shifted to a new site in Lakhodair, which is now also nearing full capacity. In 2023, the caretaker government initiated a feasibility study for the conversion of Mehmood Booti into a solar energy park and recreational space. The current provincial administration has now incorporated this initiative into the Chief Minister's "Clean Punjab" program. The Lahore Waste Management Company and Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) are jointly overseeing the project. According to LWMC CEO Babar Sahib Deen, the landfill will be used to extract gas, which will be sold to nearby industries. For this purpose, large plastic pipes, approximately one foot in diameter, have been installed at various points across the landfill to capture methane gas emissions. In addition to gas extraction, an 11-acre solar park is being developed atop the site, expected to generate approximately five megawatts of electricity. Meanwhile, the surrounding 31-acre area will be dedicated to urban forestry, featuring tree plantations and walking trails. RUDA CEO Imran Amin emphasized that the transformation of Mehmood Booti has turned a former waste dump into a lucrative asset, projected to generate substantial revenue. The project will yield economic benefits for the next two decades through carbon credits, biogas, and electricity production. Officials estimate that the sale of carbon credits alone will generate two to three billion rupees annually, while electricity from the solar park will be commercially viable. Additionally, biogas production from the landfill is expected to contribute billions of rupees to Punjab's revenue stream. The feasibility for the carbon credit program has already been completed. Carbon credits, also known as certified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, are generated when a company, individual, or institution undertakes projects that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gases. One metric ton of reduced or eliminated greenhouse gas emissions equates to one carbon credit, which can be sold on the carbon market for anywhere between five to fifty US dollars, depending on the project's quality. Authorities estimate that this project could generate between five hundred thousand to one million US dollars annually through carbon credit sales. Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the initiative. Haji Muhammad Munir Mughal, a local community leader and businessman, noted that the odor and gas emissions from the landfill had previously forced many residents to relocate, with visitors also avoiding the area. He welcomed the government's efforts to rehabilitate the site into an environmentally friendly space. He further urged authorities to extend similar environmental projects to the Lakhodair dumping site, which is also nearing full capacity. Government officials have confirmed that work will soon commence at the Lakhodair dumping site. They believe these initiatives will play a transformative role in improving Lahore's air quality and overall urban environment.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Number of sanitation workers hiked
The Sargodha Waste Management Company (SWMC) is implementing a plan under the Clean Punjab initiative to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment in the tehsil. An official said, "We have deployed sanitary workers in all union councils of Sargodha tehsil. The number of workers has been significantly increased, and we are introducing modern cleaning systems in streets, markets and main roads." He elaborated that mechanical washing of roads and streets was being carried out, and door-to-door waste collection had been initiated with public cooperation. He said a helpline had been set up for residents to report sanitation issues.
