Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has issued directives to prepare a comprehensive action plan to make Punjab smog-free and put an end to the use of plastic bags.
The Punjab government has embarked on a historic journey to initiate the most extensive environmental, wildlife, and forest project ever undertaken in the province's history.
The senior minister chaired a meeting to mull over measures for environmental protection. The initiative to combat air pollution and enhance air quality in Punjab and Lahore will take all stockholders on board.
The senior minister also spearheaded the establishment of an 'Advisory Council for Environment,' tasked with fostering synergy between the provincial government and private enterprises. This council will serve as a platform for dialogue, consultation, and active participation of stakeholders in charting a course towards environmental enhancement.
Consultations with stakeholders have already commenced to address the menace of plastic pollution and its adverse environmental impacts.
Pivotal decisions were made to digitize and optimize the processes of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and expedite the formulation of a comprehensive framework for carbon credits and financing.
In line with modern best practices and the evolving environmental landscape, amendments to the Punjab Forest Act were approved to meet contemporary demands.
Embracing innovation, the meeting sanctioned the inaugural 'Zoological Survey' in Punjab to collate exhaustive data on species, populations, and geographic distributions. Additionally, plans were unveiled for Punjab's pioneering 'Digital Wildlife Archives' and the augmentation of the Wildlife Department, including the establishment of the inaugural 'Wildlife Protection Force.'
Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized the imperative of safeguarding endangered species and preserving vital wetland ecosystems through specialized measures. Administrative initiatives were set in motion to expand forest cover in Punjab and fortify existing reserves, complemented by legislative measures.
In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity and promote sustainable practices, a concerted effort will be launched to enhance fish farming and shrimp production. In addition to this the first 'International Fish Market' will be established in Lahore.
The meeting underscored unwavering commitment to the implementation of the Prime Minister's Clean Green Pakistan vision, with plans underway to integrate environmental education into the curriculum at all levels. Articles related to environmental change, forests, and wildlife importance will be incorporated into the educational curriculum at the primary and secondary levels. Additionally, degree programs focusing on environmental changes will be introduced at higher educational levels.
With a sense of purpose and dedication, Marriyum Aurangzeb's bold initiatives herald a new dawn for environmental conservation in Punjab, setting a precedent for sustainable development and ecological resilience nationwide.