LAHORE: The Punjab government has a plan to introduce a cleanliness fee regime across major urban and commercial areas of the province under ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme.

The imposition of the cleanliness fee would be done under a phased manner after being launched within the next couple of months, Dawn has learnt.

Under the plan, Rs300 per month fee has been recommended for a five-marla house, Rs500 for up to 10-marla, Rs1,000 fee for the houses measuring one kanal and above. Likewise, Rs500 to 3,000 cleanliness fee has been recommended for the business premises according to nature and volume of the business.

“The proposal to introduce a cleanliness fee regime had been approved by the Punjab Cabinet in a meeting held a few months ago after the launch of the Suthra Punjab Programme. However, its implementation may take up to two months since the programme is underway with several cleanliness activities across the province, including all rural areas,” Lahore Waste Management Company Managing Director Babar Sahib Din told Dawn on Thursday.

Rs300 to Rs1,000 fee to be imposed on houses

“Initially, the plan, under phase-1, would be launched in major residential and commercial areas in Punjab, followed by phase-2 wherein the remaining small residential and commercial areas would be brought under fee-network.”

To a question, Mr Din said Rs200 fee has been suggested for the houses in rural areas that would be covered under phase-3. He said the plan was aimed that making the Suthra Punjab Programme, being implemented by the waste management companies, sustainable.

PRA: To ensure sales tax compliance, expansion of the tax net to all service providers and monitoring of installation of the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS), the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has constituted special monitoring teams to inspect hotels, restaurants and marriage halls across Punjab.

According to PRA Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra, special teams have been constituted to oversee these operations.

“Unregistered businesses in these sectors have been given a deadline of Sept 15 to register with the PRA. Advance compulsory registration notices have already been issued to non-compliant entities. After the deadline, the PRA will initiate enforcement actions — including sealing of premises — against those failing to register, install

EIMS, or pay applicable penalties,“ said Mr Sipra in a statement.

MEETING: A meeting reviewed the progress on the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project. During the session, the Ravi Urban Development Authority CEO gave a detailed briefing on the project.

The meeting presided over by the secretary housing thoroughly reviewed various aspects of the Ravi City, including road infrastructure, transport projects, residential and commercial zones, recreational areas and business districts.

The Ruda CEO told the participants that Lahore’s existing and upcoming transport systems would be aligned with the Ravi City Master Plan. Similarly, efforts would be made to ensure early settlement and the promotion of commercial activities in Ravi City, he said and added that the existing population in the nearby rural areas would also be provided with basic amenities based on a sustainable model.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2025