LAHORE: In a significant move towards environmental preservation, Punjab province has announced a comprehensive ban on all forms of plastic bags, slated to come into effect on June 6.
The decision, communicated by Provincial Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq during a session at the Punjab Assembly, underscores the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Minister Rafiq clarified that this directive was issued following the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and is part of a broader cleanliness initiative set to roll out over the next four months.
Under the ambitious plan, municipal authorities will mobilise resources to ensure waste management at the grassroots level, targeting every household for waste collection. “Daily street cleaning operations will be conducted, and the implementation of this new system is projected to generate approximately 100,000 employment opportunities,” highlighted Minister Rafiq.
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Furthermore, the government is establishing designated landfill sites across Punjab to facilitate proper waste disposal. The urgency of such measures is underscored by the closure of over 2,000 water supply schemes due to contamination, indicating the critical need for enhanced environmental stewardship.
The ban on plastic bags reflects Punjab’s proactive stance towards mitigating environmental degradation, setting a precedent for other regions to follow suit in combating plastic pollution.
