LAHORE: The Punjab External Financing Assessment Committee (PEFAC) on Thursday discussed Punjab Clean Air Programme proposal to ensure that it meets the development needs of the province while adhering to environmental sustainability.

The programme will be funded by the World Bank.

The PEFAC’s 19th meeting was held at the Planning and Development Board to discuss the proposed clean air programme.

Chairing the meeting, P&D Board secretary Dr Asif Tufail stressed the need for an integrated approach to tackle air pollution.

Wants to cut emissions level in Lahore by 50pc in a year

“This programme aims to enhance environmental health and improve the quality of life for our citizens. It is essential that we align our efforts with international standards and local needs,” he said.

The committee reviewed the preliminary framework of the programme that aimed to implement sustainable practices in transport and industry, alongside public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on air quality issues.

The representatives from the transport, environment and energy departments, Punjab Small Industries Corporation and others concerned explained their insights into the programme’s objectives and potential impact.

Chief economist Masood Anwar, member agriculture Aslam Javaid, member energy Sadaqat Hussain, MD PSIC Saira Omar, Additional Secretary EPD Tariq Hussain, MD PEECA Abdur Rehman and others attended the meeting.

Action Plan: The Punjab government plans to reduce emissions level in the provincial capital by 50 per cent in a year through a climate action plan.

The Lahore Climate Action Plan (LCAP) aims to reduce emissions by 50pc in a year, with a focus on waste management, including addressing the absence of a proper landfill site, a meeting held to launch the plan was told here on Thursday.

Spearheaded by the Urban Unit, the initiative marks the first city-level climate project in the region, addressing Lahore’s severe air pollution, rising temperatures, urban heat islands, and increased flooding.

The project team head, Abid Hussainy, said the plan aims for emissions neutrality by 2050, addressing environmental challenges faced by Lahore, that experiences 265 unhealthy days annually, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 405.

There are various factors contributing to the deterioration in city environment, including 4.5 million bikes, 3.4m cars, 6,800 industries, and stubble burning at around 6.6m acres of rice fields around the Punjab capital, he adds.

The event opened with welcome remarks by Punjab Environmental Protection Department Secretary Raja Jehangir, followed by a message from Usman Manzoor, Programme Manager of the Climate Promise Programme (CPP) at UNDP.

Ms Shruti Narayan, Managing Director of Regions and Mayoral Engagement at C40 Cities, shared a video message emphasising the importance of regional collaboration.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2024