The Punjab government announced on February 20, 2026, the implementation of 38 schemes under the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision 2024. This marks a significant milestone as the Environmental Protection Agency and Climate Change Annual Development Programme schemes have been finalized ahead of schedule.
In Lahore, provincial minister Marriam Aurangzeb detailed the progress, highlighting the addition of 15,000 super seeders, 5,000 balers, and harvesters to curb crop residue burning. The government has already provided 5,000 super seeders at a 60 percent subsidy this year. Additionally, 15 anti-smog guns have reduced PM10 levels by 30 to 45 percent over 47,000 kilometers. To further combat smog, 30 modern fog cannons will be installed on electric trucks at a cost of Rs3 billion.
Industries in Lahore will be relocated in phases before the next smog season, and plastic-free zonification will be introduced across Punjab. The establishment of the region’s first Punjab Climate Observatory and the presentation of the Punjab Climate Change Act to the cabinet within six months are also planned.
The Lahore Air Improvement Framework, with a budget of Rs2.25 billion, will launch a ‘One City, One Policy’ model using a Super Station for real-time pollution source identification. With China’s cooperation, a modern air quality governance system will be introduced. More than 50 air quality monitors have been installed, and a real-time dashboard is operational.
The anti-plastic campaign has seized over 461,000 kilograms of banned plastic bags. Waste management in hospitals has been tightened, and the Environmental Protection Agency has been digitized. Two modern training centers are now operational, and the Punjab Green School Programme has expanded to 41 districts.
Preparations for a low-emission zone in Lahore and GIS-based emission hotspot mapping are underway. An Emission Trading System and Green Credits Registry are being developed, alongside green entrepreneurship initiatives. Rs5.05 billion is allocated for upgrading EPA laboratories, while Rs1.4 billion is approved for the Punjab Environmental Reference Laboratory.
An Environment and Climate Delivery Unit, with a Rs700 million budget, will monitor environmental projects. A regulatory framework based on the European Union model is being developed. An Environmental Museum and Eco-Amusement Park will be established for Rs1.5 billion, promoting eco-tourism and green employment.
A Rs500 million biomass circular economy project aims to reduce crop burning and promote alternative energy sources.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 20th, 2026
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