Punjab rolls out broad, ambitious climate agenda; ADP with 38 projects finalised

LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved an ambitious slate of environmental and climate initiatives under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Climate Resilient Punjab Vision 2024,” marking what officials describe as the first time the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and climate-related Annual Development Programme (ADP) were finalised ahead of schedule.

The plan includes 38 fast-tracked development schemes, expanded anti-smog interventions, tighter industrial regulation and new monitoring systems. However, the scale of spending and the tight timelines are likely to draw scrutiny over implementation capacity and measurable impact.

SMOG CONTROL AND AIR QUALITY MEASURES

The government claims that 15 anti-smog guns have covered 47,000 kilometres, contributing to a reported 30-45 per cent reduction in PM10 levels. Building on this, authorities have approved the installation of 30 additional fog cannons mounted on electric trucks at an estimated cost of Rs 3 billion.

A Rs 2.25 billion Lahore Air Improvement Framework has also been launched, promising real-time identification of pollution sources through a “super station” and source apportionment studies. More than 50 air quality monitors have been installed across Punjab, alongside an automated quality assurance system.

Officials say a “One City, One Policy” model, developed with Chinese cooperation, will be introduced in Lahore, including detailed emissions inventories covering dust, transport, industry and crop burning. A Low Emission Zone is also planned for the provincial capital, with GIS-based mapping of pollution hotspots reportedly completed.

INDUSTRIAL SHIFTS AND REGULATORY CHANGES

Among the more consequential decisions is a phased relocation of certain industries from Lahore before the next smog season. The government has also announced plastic-free zoning in selected commercial areas, including Gulberg and major shopping districts, and reported the seizure of over 461,000 kilograms of banned plastic bags.

Authorities say 74 hospital incinerators have been activated and waste management protocols tightened. At the same time, the EPA has undergone “complete digitalisation,” with fines, case management and environmental audits shifted to online systems. A new Environment & Climate Delivery Unit, funded at Rs 700 million, will monitor project performance through key performance indicators and dashboards.

Moreover, Rs 5.5 billion has been allocated to upgrade EPA laboratories, including Rs 1.4 billion for the Punjab Environmental Reference Laboratory. Plans include a forensic unit and expanded vehicle emissions testing facilities.

AGRICULTURE, TRANSPORT AND ENERGY INITIATIVES

To address crop burning – a key contributor to smog – the government distributed 5,000 super-seeders at a 60 per cent subsidy this year and plans to add 15,000 more, along with 5,000 balers and harvesters. A Rs 500 million biomass circular economy project has been approved to promote alternative uses of crop residue.

Transport reforms are also under consideration, including the introduction of an EV-1 system to replace conventional two- and three-wheelers.

Meanwhile, a Punjab Climate Observatory – described as the first of its kind in the region – is planned, with draft climate legislation expected to be presented to the provincial cabinet within six months.

QUESTIONS OF DELIVERY AND OVERSIGHT

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has termed the package a comprehensive response to air pollution and climate risks. Yet environmental experts note that Punjab has announced anti-smog drives in previous years with mixed long-term outcomes.

While the government cites reductions in particulate matter and expanded monitoring infrastructure, independent verification of air quality improvements and consistent enforcement against industrial polluters remain key tests. The proposed shift of industries, establishment of low-emission zones and rollout of emissions trading mechanisms would mark structural reforms – but their effectiveness will depend on sustained regulatory oversight.

With smog seasons growing longer and more severe, the coming months will determine whether the accelerated approvals translate into durable environmental gains or remain largely administrative milestones.