CM Maryam calls for tree plantation, strong environmental action on World Environment Day

LAHORE, Jun 05 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the public to plant more trees and protect natural resources, reaffirming the provincial government’s strong commitment to environmental protection and the elimination of plastic pollution on the occasion of World Environment Day.

In her special message on Friday, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the significant reduction in fog intensity and the improvement in environmental conditions observed over the past year. She appreciated Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and her team for achieving notable progress in improving environmental conditions in Lahore and other parts of the province.

CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed authorities to continue strict legal action against the use of substandard plastic bags and instructed officials to expedite the completion of Punjab’s first Environment Observatory Project.

She said the Earth is a shared trust and protecting it is a collective responsibility, stressing that effective and sustainable measures to reduce pollution and control smog are producing encouraging results.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab has become the first province in the region capable of issuing early alerts regarding environmental pollution. She noted that air quality indicators are being continuously monitored through a state-of-the-art Air Quality Forecast System across the province.

She further said that Punjab’s first Environment Wall is operating round the clock, ensuring 24/7 monitoring support for environmental agencies and institutions.

Maryam Nawaz added that legal action is ongoing against environmental violations, including smoke-emitting vehicles, brick kilns, and crop residue burning. She said that 30 modern fog guns are already in use to combat smog, while additional equipment is being procured for Lahore and other cities.

She stated that tree plantation drives are being actively carried out across Punjab under the Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan vision.

Emphasizing environmental responsibility, the Chief Minister said that religious and moral teachings also promote cleanliness and protection of nature. She warned that protecting the environment is essential for the survival and well-being of future generations.

She called for collective efforts to safeguard water resources and environmental assets and urged citizens to raise awareness about climate change, pollution control, and nature conservation.

Concluding her message, Maryam Nawaz Sharif appealed to the public to abandon plastic use and renew their commitment to protecting the environment.