[:en]By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, speaking at a conference organized by the Department of Environmental Protection on the occasion of World Environment Day, has said the government is announcing a ban on plastic on World Environment Day.
From the day Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s government came to power, we have started working towards the elimination of smog and pollution.
The Chief Minister is introducing the Solid Waste Management End-to-End Project in Punjab for the first time. She said that at present, comprehensive work is being done at the grassroots level on the Multisectoral Anti-Smog Action Plan. Important measures are being taken to eliminate all kinds of pollution in transport, agriculture, energy, and other relevant sectors.
The Transport Vehicles Ordinance will be amended to include vehicle fitness certification, and environmentally friendly agricultural machines are being provided to farmers at a 60% subsidy to prevent the burning of crop residues.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that plastic also contributes to environmental pollution, therefore it is being banned from today for the health and life of the public.
Now, shopping bags less than 75 microns thick and single-use plastics are banned. Deputy Commissioners of Punjab’s districts are responsible for enforcing this ban in their respective districts. Violations will result in arrests, fines, and penalties. An awareness campaign for the public about the dangers of plastic will also start from today. She urged the public to discourage the use of plastic and switch to alternative means.
E-buses are being introduced, and e-bikes will be provided on zero-interest loans. Currently, no P&D project is being approved without allocating 1% of the budget for environmental requirements and afforestation.
Maryam Aurangzeb appealed to the public, saying that we used to lead healthy lives without plastic. She encouraged the use of cloth bags instead of shopping bags.
Addressing the people of Lahore, she said that the air you breathe in Lahore is poison and poison is death.
For God’s sake, change your behavior, habits, and mindset, stop using plastic, and support government policies. She mentioned that a plan will be formulated for the effective handling and recycling of plastic waste. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb further stated that environmentally friendly products will be prioritized in government procurements.
After the budget, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s solar program will reach every home.[:]