The approval for the Punjab Clean Air Programme (PCAP) was given on December 20, 2024.
The Punjab cabinet approved the Punjab Clean Air Programme (PCAP), which will be financed by a proposed $300 million loan from the World Bank. This initiative aims to combat severe air pollution in urban areas, particularly in Lahore, where hazardous air quality conditions persist.
The Planning and Development (P&D) Board has been designated as the coordinating and monitoring agency for this program and is tasked with establishing an interim Coordination and Monitoring Unit (CMU) using existing resources
WIth the initiative, the Punjab government aims to reduce emissions in Lahore by 50% within a year, aligning with broader climate action goals. The initiative includes a comprehensive approach that combines sustainable practices in transportation and industry with public awareness campaigns about air quality issues.
This program is part of a larger effort to address the alarming levels of air pollution in Pakistan, which has been exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrial activities. The World Health Organization has noted that many cities in Pakistan, including Lahore, frequently rank among the most polluted globally, significantly impacting public health.
Key Objectives of the PCAP
The program’s financing will be utilized for several critical projects aimed at improving air quality:
- Procurement and operation of electric buses and two- and three-wheelers.
- Upgrading power infrastructure to support cleaner energy sources.
- Establishing depots for electric vehicles.
- Enhancing road safety measures.
- Strengthening the Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) regime.
The PCAP represents a strategic response to the pressing challenge of air pollution in Punjab, leveraging international support to implement sustainable solutions that enhance environmental health and improve quality of life for residents.