Photo Courtesy by Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency
### By Georgette Virgo
Every winter, Punjab is shrouded in grey fog. Roads disappear, schools close, and the state seems to vanish. But this year feels different. Despite the stinging air, there’s a noticeable shift in how things are being handled. Punjab’s bureaucracy is adapting, becoming more responsive than ever.
The Environmental Protection Agency has transformed into a hub for change. Once slow and paper-heavy, it now functions like a modern tech platform. The Smog War Room utilizes data from 8,500 AI cameras, 67 Quick Response Centers, and a helpline. Real-time dashboards keep track of air quality, enforcement actions, and citizen feedback. An impressive 96% of complaints are resolved through the Green Punjab App and Eco-Chatbot, available 24/7 in Urdu and English.
### From Instinct to Evidence
Pakistan’s environmental system is evolving. It now thinks in networks—agile and data-driven. The HAS-CAPE system issues health warnings based on air quality forecasts, anticipating smog days in advance. Across 18 districts, the AQMS network provides live data, moving away from outdated reports. Decision-making is shifting from hearsay to hard evidence.
Still, progress has its bumps. Field enforcement wavers, and some factories learn to sidestep violations just long enough for inspections. Yet, these challenges are part of the journey. With digital inspections and drone monitoring of around 8,000 factories, accountability is improving. Actions speak volumes: 2,312 kilns sealed, over Rs 245 million in fines collected, and nearly all compliant industries now implement emission controls. These numbers show tangible change in the air.
### Citizens and the State, in Conversation
What’s remarkable is how this new environmental focus encourages dialogue with citizens. The Green Punjab App invites people to participate actively. The Im4Climate campaign engages over 1,500 creators and has employed 2,000 youth interns. Young Pakistanis are now working within the system, creating content that informs rather than protests against it.
The state is listening more attentively. It now tracks engagement metrics, moving the conversation from blame to collaboration. This shift is a subtle yet powerful change in how institutions view environmental issues, transitioning from enforcement to ecosystem stewardship.
### Redefining Development in a Climate Economy
Beyond operational tweaks, a more significant shift is underway. Punjab is redefining development in a climate-affected economy. Initiatives like the Climate Resilient Vision 2024 and the Green Credit Program, which rewards citizens for eco-friendly actions, indicate a move toward incentive-based environmental policies. With a Climate Endowment Fund of Rs 12.5 billion, the focus is on seeing climate action as an investment, not just a cost.
Far from being a tale of denial, Punjab’s approach is about progress. While neighboring areas grapple with fragmented data and policies, Punjab is building a framework for effective climate governance. Its innovations in predictive air quality modeling and AI enforcement could serve as a model for the rest of South Asia.
This winter, the air may still irritate the lungs, but it no longer clouds the clarity of governance. What once felt chaotic is now more systematic and responsive. The challenge of smog has become a pathway to a more accountable state.
Perhaps the most crucial lesson here is that when visibility decreases, systems must innovate to see clearly.
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