Punjab celebrates a significant milestone in its environmental assessment initiatives with the release of the State of Environment Report, 2022. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of Punjab's environment, covering air, water, and soil quality, as well as wastewater and solid waste management. This report will serve as a crucial baseline for informed decision-making, policy formulation, and environmental planning.
While highlighting key findings, the report acknowledges the challenges posed by air pollution, with a focus on Lahore, where smog has become a real challenge. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of addressing the mounting solid waste crisis, urging proper waste segregation, recycling initiatives, and modern waste management infrastructure. In addressing wastewater management, the report sheds light on the existing industrial treatment facilities, emphasizing the need for their improvement to protect aquatic ecosystems and promote trade opportunities.
Furthermore, the report highlights the Environmental Protection Agency's diligent efforts in inspecting hospitals for compliance with waste management regulations, resulting in corrective measures being taken against non-compliant facilities. The report also recognizes the significant tree plantation initiatives undertaken by the EPA, along with the resolution of a majority of public complaints regarding air pollution.
Under the Punjab Green Development Program, the Environment Protection Department is executing initiatives to strengthen environmental governance, encourage green investments, and establish monitoring stations for air and water quality. At the launch event of the State of the Environment Report, 2022, Ms. Samia Saleem, the Project Director of the Strategic Planning & Implementation Unit, EPD, emphasized the importance of immediate action and commended the team behind the report for achieving this milestone after 25 years.
