Senior Minister Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb says that climate talks are being initiated with neighboring countries including India.
Addressing the “Brid Pakistan International Conference”, Senior Provincial Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the Punjab government under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has allocated Rs 10 billion for anti-smog and Rs 100 billion for climate resilience. Climate talks are being initiated with neighboring countries including India. The project includes measures such as installation of modern AQI monitors, establishment of biogas plants and biorefineries, e-mechanization in the agricultural sector, and green transportation.
Marriyum Aurangzeb further said that 100 modern AQI monitors are being installed across Punjab to monitor air pollution, which will be connected to satellites and provide the latest air quality data. Promoting modernization in agriculture, superseeders have been provided to farmers at a 60 percent subsidy to prevent them from burning crop residues. For the first time, data-based mapping has been done to monitor industrial emissions and financial assistance has been provided to more than 50 industrial units for the installation of emission control systems.
He said that 27 electric buses have become operational in Lahore while work is underway on retrofitting two and three-wheeled vehicles. To eliminate plastic pollution, a complete ban has been imposed on the sale and use of plastic bags of less than 75 microns in size and the Punjab government has also enacted legislation in this regard. The Punjab Green App and Helpline have been introduced to ensure public participation for environmental improvement.
The senior provincial minister said that the government is initiating a transboundary dialogue to address the smog-laden winds coming from India so that joint efforts can be made for environmental protection in the region. Smog and air pollution are a major challenge for the region and all stakeholders must be aware of their responsibilities to solve it. The Punjab government has started infrastructure-based environmental improvement projects and consultations are also underway with other provinces. The aim of all the measures is not only to deal with environmental challenges but also to ensure the establishment of a green and safe Punjab.
