Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on the occasion of World Environment Day, has directed authorities to ensure the early completion of the region's first Environment Observatory Project. She reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to combating plastic pollution and strengthening environmental protection measures.
Measures Against Plastic Pollution
In her message, the chief minister ordered the continuation of legal action against the manufacture, sale, and use of substandard plastic bags. She called for accelerated efforts to improve environmental monitoring across the province.
Maryam Nawaz urged citizens to plant more trees, conserve natural resources, and contribute to building a cleaner and healthier environment. She expressed satisfaction over what she described as a significant reduction in fog and an improvement in environmental conditions witnessed during the past year.
Appreciation for Environmental Initiatives
The chief minister appreciated the efforts of Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and her team for initiatives aimed at improving environmental conditions in Lahore and other parts of Punjab.
“The Earth is a beautiful planet, and it is our collective responsibility to take every possible measure for its protection and survival,” she said, adding that sustained measures against environmental pollution and smog were producing encouraging results.
Early Warning System and Monitoring
Maryam Nawaz said Punjab had become the first province in the country to develop an early-warning system for environmental pollution. She noted that the province’s Air Quality Forecast System was monitoring air quality indicators across Punjab, while the Environment Wall was providing round-the-clock monitoring of environmental institutions and activities.
She said enforcement operations were continuing against vehicles emitting excessive smoke, brick kilns violating environmental regulations, crop residue burning, and other sources of pollution.
Anti-Smog Equipment and Plantation Campaigns
The chief minister added that 30 modern fog guns were being used to combat smog, while additional anti-smog equipment was being procured for Lahore and other cities. She said plantation campaigns under the Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan initiatives were continuing across the province to promote sustainable environmental improvement.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that environmental protection was both a social and moral responsibility and called for collective efforts to conserve water, energy, and natural resources for future generations. Describing World Environment Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental conservation, pollution control, and climate challenges, she urged citizens to reduce plastic consumption and work together for a cleaner and greener Punjab.
