Punjab launches wildlife digital database, E-Biz Portal under Green Punjab vision

LAHORE, Jun 05 (APP): Marking World Environment Day 2026, the Punjab Government on Friday launched the Punjab Wildlife Digital Database and the E-Biz Punjab Portal as part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Green Punjab Vision.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb formally inaugurated the initiatives during a ceremony organized under the theme “A Global Call for Climate Action” in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Wildlife Department, Forest Department, environmental experts, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and other institutions.

Addressing the event, Marriyum Aurangzeb said World Environment Day serves as a global platform to promote collective action against climate change, adding that the Punjab government is taking practical steps to strengthen environmental protection, climate resilience, wildlife conservation, fisheries, aquaculture, and shrimp farming.

She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has accorded special priority to environmental restoration and conservation, stressing that meaningful progress can only be achieved through concrete action rather than claims.

The Senior Minister highlighted that the government has allocated record budgets for the Forest, Environment, and Wildlife sectors while introducing modern technology-based systems. She noted that the Vehicle Emission Testing System is now fully operational across Punjab and that, according to SUPARCO data, crop residue burning incidents have declined by 65 percent.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said the province is modernizing landscape management, forest monitoring, and wildfire early warning systems through digitization and advanced technology. She added that afforestation efforts are now being assessed based on the area covered rather than the number of trees planted.

She said dedicated environmental improvement funds have been incorporated into development projects and that Punjab is actively promoting e-mobility. According to her, 2,000 electric buses will become operational within the next two years, while procurement of an additional 1,500 electric buses is underway.

The minister also highlighted reforms in agriculture through mechanization, improved governance, legislative changes, technological innovation, and human resource development.

Referring to the recently concluded Eid-ul-Adha operations, she said the “Suthra Punjab” programme was successfully implemented under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister, with drone monitoring, modern surveillance systems, and sanitation staff working round the clock. She said biodegradable bags were used for the safe disposal of animal waste, earning public appreciation.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said Punjab’s environmental initiatives and electric vehicle policy received international recognition at the global climate conference held in Baku. She further stated that the operational scope of WASA and PHA has expanded from three cities to 41 cities across Punjab.

Reaffirming the government’s zero-tolerance policy against environmental pollution, she said coordinated efforts among various departments are being undertaken to address environmental challenges. The government, she added, is focusing on preparedness and prevention before natural disasters occur, with modern flood resilience and disaster management projects already underway.

The minister praised citizens for supporting anti-smog measures and said strict action is being taken against illegal fat-melting units operating in residential areas and contributing to pollution.

She announced that Punjab’s first-ever comprehensive wildlife census is currently being conducted and emphasized that governance decisions are being guided by data and evidence. She also expressed hope that the Punjab Economic Registry would be completed during June to further improve policy-making and service delivery.

Minister Aurangzeb said the province’s ten-year Smog Mitigation Plan is already yielding positive results, while Bansra Gali Park is expected to be completed by July. She added that the protection and preservation of the Changa Manga forests remains a top priority of the government.

Paying tribute to officials and staff of the Forest Department, Wildlife Rangers, and Environmental Protection Department, she said their dedication is vital for safeguarding Punjab’s natural resources and environment.

On the occasion, she announced that the Panjnad region would be declared a Blind Indus Dolphin Protected Area.

The ceremony was attended by MPA Kanwal Liaquat, representatives of IUCN, Syed Rizwan Mehboob, government officials, environmental experts, civil society representatives, and members of the public.