Latest news with #DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandClimateChange
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab takes unprecedented steps for environmental improvement: CM
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Punjab's first climate policy, Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan, has been implemented. A special environmental endowment fund worth Rs 15 billion has been established for environment-friendly startups and businesses. The Punjab province has attained the honour of establishing Pakistan's first Environmental Protection Force (EPF) for environmental protection. The chief minister in her message on World Environment Day, said that Punjab's environmental commitment has entirely changed in a span of one year. Punjab has taken unprecedented steps for environmental improvement in one year. A plastic management cell has been established for environmental protection, which is ensuring a complete ban on single-use plastic. She revealed that for the first time in Punjab, online registration of plastic manufacturers and sellers has been started. For the first time, Emission Testing Certification of vehicles according to international standards has been launched to combat smog hazards. Millions of vehicles have been registered under Emission Testing Certification in Punjab, she said. She apprised that 50 air quality monitoring stations have been installed across the province to monitor the environmental situation. She highlighted that thousands of youths are actively working in cities and villages under the Climate Leadership and Development Internship Program to create awareness among the public about the elimination of environmental pollution. She disclosed that a GIS squad has been established to ensure environmental protection with the help of artificial intelligence. The CM outlined, 'Four fuel testing labs have been established to check the quality of petrol to prevent smog. Sprinkler systems are being installed on buildings under construction to prevent dust. For the first time, 15 water quality monitoring stations are being established to check the quality of water on rivers and rain water drains. Environmental benefits are being achieved through tree plantation, recycling and e-bikes through the Chief Minister Green Credit Programme.' She emphasised, 'The first 'Strategic Cell' has been established in the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change to create environmental awareness and consciousness among the public. EPA has declared Punjab as the first ESO certified agency in Pakistan owning to successful measures being taken for environmental protection. The first dedicated Helpline '1317' has been established for public feedback regarding environmental protection. To prevent smog, emission control systems are being installed in more than 2000 industrial units and e-mapping of all units is being carried out. For the first time in Punjab, all brick kilns have been shifted to zigzag technology.' She highlighted, 'In order to convert the environmental pledge into practical action, environmental divisional offices have been established in five divisions and four new divisional offices are being established. For the first time in Punjab, environmental social safeguard training is being organized in the government departments. A 'Green Punjab app' has also been established for the convenience of the public. The electric bus service has been launched in Lahore, 1100 more electric buses will be provided in all divisions. Special charging stations are being set up for the vehicles in Punjab.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CM says Punjab has taken steps to bring about environmental improvement
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Punjab's first climate policy, Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan, has been implemented. A special environmental endowment fund worth Rs 15 billion has been established for environment-friendly startups and businesses. The Punjab province has attained the honour of establishing Pakistan's first Environmental Protection Force (EPF) for environmental protection. The chief minister in her message on World Environment Day, said that Punjab's environmental commitment has entirely changed in a span of one year. Punjab has taken unprecedented steps for environmental improvement in one year. A plastic management cell has been established for environmental protection, which is ensuring a complete ban on single-use plastic. She revealed that for the first time in Punjab, online registration of plastic manufacturers and sellers has been started. For the first time, Emission Testing Certification of vehicles according to international standards has been launched to combat smog hazards. Millions of vehicles have been registered under Emission Testing Certification in Punjab, she said. She apprised that 50 air quality monitoring stations have been installed across the province to monitor the environmental situation. She highlighted that thousands of youths are actively working in cities and villages under the Climate Leadership and Development Internship Program to create awareness among the public about the elimination of environmental pollution. She disclosed that a GIS squad has been established to ensure environmental protection with the help of artificial intelligence. The CM outlined, 'Four fuel testing labs have been established to check the quality of petrol to prevent smog. Sprinkler systems are being installed on buildings under construction to prevent dust. For the first time, 15 water quality monitoring stations are being established to check the quality of water on rivers and rain water drains. Environmental benefits are being achieved through tree plantation, recycling and e-bikes through the Chief Minister Green Credit Programme.' She emphasised, 'The first 'Strategic Cell' has been established in the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change to create environmental awareness and consciousness among the public. EPA has declared Punjab as the first ESO certified agency in Pakistan owning to successful measures being taken for environmental protection. The first dedicated Helpline '1317' has been established for public feedback regarding environmental protection. To prevent smog, emission control systems are being installed in more than 2000 industrial units and e-mapping of all units is being carried out. For the first time in Punjab, all brick kilns have been shifted to zigzag technology.' She highlighted, 'In order to convert the environmental pledge into practical action, environmental divisional offices have been established in five divisions and four new divisional offices are being established. For the first time in Punjab, environmental social safeguard training is being organized in the government departments. A 'Green Punjab app' has also been established for the convenience of the public. The electric bus service has been launched in Lahore, 1100 more electric buses will be provided in all divisions. Special charging stations are being set up for the vehicles in Punjab.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rawalpindi faces severe water crisis
With the onset of summer, Rawalpindi is experiencing a critical water shortage, prompting private water tanker operators to significantly hike prices. Several private housing societies have begun water rationing, informing residents via notices that water will now be supplied on alternate days starting April 17. If dry weather continues for two more weeks, authorities are planning to further reduce water supply in the twin cities. The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has launched operations against water wastage, banning activities like washing vehicles, courtyards, and streets with hosepipes. Car wash stations are now required to install water recycling systems — so far, 20 have complied, and red notices have been issued to others. Major housing societies planning to supply water for only 15 days a month are now facing legal challenges. Senior High Court Bar Association member Raja Haseeb Sultan Advocate said the move will be contested in court, arguing that residents who pay full bills are entitled to the regular water supply. The groundwater level has fallen below 700 feet due to a 40 per cent rainfall deficit in the the Rawalpindi division over the past six months. Tube wells built between 1990 and 2000 — usually 300 to 400 feet deephave begun to dry up, resulting in muddy water and reduced pressure, especially in older city neighbourhoods. Affected areas include Gulistan Colony, Scheme 3, Dhok Choudhrian, Fazal Town, areas around the High Court, Dhok Kala Khan, Sadiqabad, Gulrez, Shah Faisal Colony, Shah Khalid Colony, Chaklala, Rehmatabad, Muslim Town, Tench Bhatta, and Dhok Jumma along Adiala Road. A WASA spokesperson confirmed the groundwater depletion and noted that contingency plans involve supplying water through tankers in the most affected zones. Meanwhile, private tanker operators are exploiting the crisis, raising prices drastically — small tankers now cost Rs2,400 to 2,600, while large ones are priced at Rs3,000 to 3,300.
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Pindi imposes water restrictions amid drought
RAWALPINDI: The worsening drought and a 42 per cent decrease in rainfall have caused groundwater levels in Rawalpindi to drop to a critical depth of 800 feet. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has imposed an immediate ban on the use of tube wells, wells, and boring water for the construction of buildings, houses, and plazas. Violators will face a fine of Rs10,000, the department said. Additionally, strict directives have been issued to shut down all illegal and unapproved car wash service stations. To enforce these measures, the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department, Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), municipal corporations, and district councils have begun operations against car wash stations. Authorities have issued formal notices to all 3,500 service stations across Rawalpindi city, district council areas, and the entire division, instructing them to voluntarily comply with the new restrictions by February 28. The crackdown will begin on Monday, with a separate operation targeting water recycling system installations starting March 3. Immediate action will also be taken to prevent unnecessary water wastage.
