Punjab launches crackdown on pollution and littering

The Punjab government has launched a series of environmental enforcement measures to combat pollution and littering in Lahore and across the province. Under the Suthra Punjab initiative, Lahore authorities have deployed anti-littering squads and implemented an e-challan system to penalize waste dumping. Penalties include fines ranging from Rs1,000 for littering to up to Rs500,000 and imprisonment for burning garbage or tyres. To ensure transparency, all fines must be paid through digital or banking channels, with enforcement staff prohibited from accepting cash.

In a broader provincial effort to tackle air pollution, the government has banned smoke-emitting government vehicles from the roads and announced a crackdown on polluting factories and crop-residue burning. To assist farmers in managing agricultural waste, the administration is providing thousands of Super Seeders, combine harvesters, and rice straw shredders. Additionally, authorities will use Safe City cameras to monitor illegal waste burning and may cancel contracts for waste management companies found involved in such practices. Food outlets and barbecue stalls will also face strict monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards.