Latest news with #MaryamAurangzeb
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Major road construction projects: Punjab plans inclusion of service ducts
LAHORE: To ensure sustainable and efficient development, the Punjab government is considering the inclusion of service ducts in major road construction projects to minimise repeated road excavations. According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Housing Department, a special committee will be formed to consult with all relevant stakeholders, including the Safe Cities Authority and telecommunications departments, to determine the appropriate size and placement of service ducts to ensure their effective use in the future. He highlighted that repeated digging of roads cause significant inconvenience to the public. 'The introduction of service ducts will not only help conserve resources but will also lead to longer-lasting roads and improved urban infrastructure,' he added. The official added that under the directives of the CM, development initiatives across Punjab were progressing rapidly, with a focus on long-term impact and resilience. Meanwhile, under the guidance of Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb, planning was being carried out in line with environmentally friendly policies to ensure sustainable, well-organized, and citizen-centric development across the province. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Science
- Express Tribune
AI, drones to track environmental violators
The Punjab government has officially incorporated the 'Polluter Pays Rules' into its environmental law, making polluters financially liable for the damage they cause in the province. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced that Punjab is the first province in the country to develop a law to tackle pollution in line with international standards. A cutting-edge smart monitoring system has been implemented across Punjab's ten zones. The automated alert system, known as "Khabardar", will detect pollution levels in real-time and prompt the EPA Force to take immediate action. Zonal in-charges and inspectors have been deployed, and monitoring squads have begun field operations. The system uses technology to assess toxic emissions from industrial chimneys, kilns, and vehicles. Artificial intelligence will alert a central digital system when emissions exceed prescribed limits. The EPA Force will then take immediate action against the offenders. The new infrastructure also targets illegal dumping into water bodies, open burning of waste, and plastic incineration. Each zone is equipped with modern drone cameras, special vehicles, and rapid response technology.
Business Recorder
26-07-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
EPA launches surveillance to eliminate bird nesting around airports
LAHORE: The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday announced that it will complete comprehensive e-mapping of bird cages and nests in Lahore and other sensitive areas within two days through its dedicated aerial surveillance force. Using advanced technologies, the identification of bird nests in sensitive areas, including Lahore, is progressing swiftly. The EPA's aerial surveillance squad is actively conducting drone-based monitoring and video recording. Locations of all vulnerable nests are being digitally mapped. In case of heightened risk of air accidents, immediate 'de-nesting' operations — the removal of nests — will be initiated. The EPA has devised a rapid response strategy to mitigate bird-related threats near airports and other sensitive zones. According to the de-nesting report dated July 24, the EPA squad conducted a successful operation near Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road, removing 20 kite and 30 crow nests. The area has since been declared clear of threats. Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that bird nests pose a serious danger to aircraft, urging citizens to avoid scattering bird feed on rooftops or in open spaces. She stressed that public cooperation is vital for ensuring aerial safety and warned that violators will face strict action. A coordinated crackdown by district administration is underway to prevent bird-related air hazards near airports. Five successful operations were carried out in areas like Badian Road and Gulshan Park, where pigeon cages were dismantled and other potential bird habitats were eliminated. Actions were also taken against poultry and meat shops operating in open areas of Nishat Colony and others. Four shops were fined and shutdown on the spot. Citizens have been urged not to discard sacrificial or leftover meat in open areas, as it attracts birds that may contribute to air accidents. The EPA teams inspected wedding halls and restaurants for improper food waste disposal, issuing notices to three venues for non-compliance. On Khurshid Alam Road, unnecessary tree branches were trimmed to remove nests and control the bird population. Garbage was cleared from Javed Cheema Chowk, Zarrar Shaheed Road, and Jore Pul, as authorities noted that open waste is a major cause of bird congregation. Surveillance has been intensified from Dharampura to Jallo and along Canal Road, where sacrificial meat sellers have been identified. Local vendors have been directed to comply with regulations. At the PAF Golf Club, a wildlife team removed 20 crow and 15 kite nests to help secure the airspace. Minister Maryam Aurangzeb added that the Lahore wildlife team is now heading toward Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road for the next phase of operations, fully prepared to curb bird breeding activities as part of the strategic plan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Lahore zoo returns to govt control after private firm exits contract
The management of Lahore Zoo has officially been taken over by the Department of Wildlife after the private company awarded the operational contract withdrew from the agreement. All services, including entry tickets and parking, are now being managed directly by the zoo administration. The private firm had secured the contract on January 1, 2025, for a total value of Rs500 million. The agreement covered services such as ticketing, parking, and other visitor facilities. However, the company exited the contract after six months and sixteen days of operation. Sources say the firm is liable to pay over Rs 250 million to the government as part of the contractual terms, along with settling outstanding dues such as electricity bills. Zoo officials confirmed the development, stating that all operational responsibilities have been resumed by the zoo's management. According to authorities, the private contractor had requested the Captive Wildlife Management Committee (CWMC) to allow an increase in ticket prices and to bundle one additional paid facility (such as the dinosaur hall, reptile house, or aquarium) with each entry ticket. The CWMC rejected the proposal, maintaining that additional financial burdens should not be imposed on visitors. The decision to keep recreational services affordable aligns with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who advocate for accessible and quality leisure facilities for the public. It is worth noting that after taking charge, the private company introduced bundled ticket packages that forced visitors to purchase entry alongside access to one additional facility. This prompted strong public criticism and a response from Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Punjab Secretary of Forests & Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz Malik, who directed an immediate end to the practice. According to sources, the private company opted to exit the agreement to prevent further financial losses and assured the authorities that all outstanding dues would be cleared. On Thursday, the zoo administration officially resumed control, and the CWMC has called an emergency meeting today to decide the future course of management for the zoo.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Punjab enforces bird hazard controls near Lahore airport
The Punjab government has launched a major crackdown on bird activity in the vicinity of Lahore Airport to enhance aviation safety, declaring several neighbourhoods 'No Bird Zones' under a new initiative. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued the directive to the city's district administration, Punjab Wildlife Department, and the Environment Protection Agency for coordinated action. Localities including Eastern Bypass, Manawan, Hospital Dahori Wala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra, and Chah Miran have been placed under strict monitoring. Officials said these areas have been ring-fenced aerially to create protective airspace for commercial flights. Bird strikes, particularly during take-off and landing, pose a persistent safety hazard. The new policy aims to mitigate this by reducing bird presence around low-altitude flight paths. Read: Police to set up animal rescue sub-centres Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has been appointed to oversee the mobilisation of Punjab's first dedicated Wildlife Force. The Wildlife Department has already ordered its field rangers to enforce new restrictions. Strict regulations are being imposed on nearby slaughterhouses, poultry farms, bakeries, and leather-processing units. These businesses must now comply with environmental controls, including a ban on open disposal of animal waste and hides. Additionally, feeding birds in public areas, on rooftops, and at shrines has been outlawed. Residents are also restricted from keeping or flying large numbers of pigeons. Garbage dumping near the airport has been banned, and covered waste bins are now compulsory in specific zones. Officials warned that any activity attracting birds in these areas will be treated as a breach of public safety. Read more: Pet big cats to be sterilised, sale banned Legal action will be taken under the Punjab Wildlife Act, with monitoring teams tasked with ensuring full compliance. Authorities say the move aligns with international aviation safety standards and reflects a long-term commitment to safer skies around the city.
