CM Maryam for early completion of region’s first environment observatory project

LAHORE, Jun 05 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her special message on World Environment Day, reaffirmed the provincial government’s strong commitment to eliminating plastic pollution and protecting the environment.

She urged citizens to plant more trees and safeguard natural resources, while expressing gratitude over the significant reduction in fog and improvement in environmental conditions witnessed during the past year.

The chief minister also commended Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and her entire team for achieving notable environmental improvements in Lahore and other parts of the province.

CM Maryam Nawaz directed the authorities to ensure the early completion of the region’s first Environment Observatory Project and ordered the continuation of legal action against the use of substandard plastic bags.

“The Earth is a beautiful planet, and it is our collective responsibility to take every possible measure for its protection and survival,” she said, adding that sustainable and effective measures against environmental pollution and smog are yielding positive results.

The chief minister stated that Punjab has become the first province in the country to develop an early-warning capability for environmental pollution. She noted that the province’s first state-of-the-art Air Quality Forecast System is monitoring air pollution indicators across Punjab, while the province’s first “Environment Wall” is operating round the clock to monitor environmental institutions and activities.

 She said legal action is continuing against vehicles emitting excessive smoke, brick kilns, crop residue burning and other violations of environmental laws.

To combat smog, 30 modern fog guns are being effectively utilised, while additional smog-control equipment is being procured for Lahore and other cities.

CM Maryam said province-wide plantation campaigns are continuing under the Green Punjab and Plant for Pakistan vision to ensure sustainable environmental improvement. “Our religion and moral values also teach us cleanliness and environmental protection. Effective measures to improve the environment are essential for the survival of future generations,” she said, adding that collective efforts are needed to conserve water, energy and environmental resources.

The chief minister further said that World Environment Day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about protecting nature, reducing pollution and addressing climate change challenges.

Appealing to the public, she said: “Let us pledge to abandon plastic and work together for the protection of our environment.”