LAHORE: The Punjab Pollution Enforcement Committee on Friday approved a roadmap to combat environmental pollution across the province by enforcement of sustainable waste management.
The meeting, chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, reviewed pollution sources, corrective measures, regulatory reforms and interagency coordination. Officials presented the plan for pollutioncausing sectors assessment, emission load inventory and comprehensive waste management.
Participants were informedthat mapping of waste-generating units had been completed, including 125 slaughterhouses and 1,500 poultry farms. The committee directed intensified enforcement, with strict implementation of standard operating procedures for slaughterhouse waste and a continued ban on fat-melting activities in residential areas.
Expressing concern at improper disposal of hospital waste, Ms Aurangzeb ordered legalaction against the hospitals lackingincinerators.
The committee reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, noting that 4,500 polluting units had been demolished in the past two years, including 550 those dis-mantled last week.
The meeting also reviewed action against hospital waste units, tanneries, marble processors, wood-cutting facilities and livestock operations.
Officials reported that 15m fake and non-biodegradable cigarette filters had been disposed of responsibly, while more than 550,000 plastic bags had been removed from drains and waterways.
The committee approved registration of scrap dealers, documentation of the waste value chain and proposals for recycling under a ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ model.
The Green Punjab Certification Programme is being launched at the UnionCouncil level, alongside a climate watch and field enforcement system.
Ms Aurangzeb directed the departments to identify pollution sources within their sectors and submit strategies to support circular economy plans through publicprivate partnerships. She emphasized joint enforcement operationsinvolvingLocalGovernment, WASA, Industry, Health, Livestock and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The meeting also endorsed an action plan for Gulberg Drain, special awards for plastic-free brands, expanded awareness campaigns and holding of a Provincial Environmental Conference in Lahore.