Punjab’s 2023 Budget: Investing ₹15 Billion to Combat Climate Change and Protect Our Environment

The Punjab government plans to invest Rs 15 billion to tackle environmental issues and combat climate change. Their goal is a cleaner, greener, and smog-free province.

A key initiative is the creation of a ‘climate observatory,’ which will cost about Rs 5 billion. They aim to allocate Rs 3 billion for this in the upcoming fiscal year.

Additionally, the government wants to set up environmental complexes in various cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Bahawalpur, with a total budget of Rs 1.4 billion.

Another interesting proposal is the "CM Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme," estimated at Rs 0.4 billion. This program will focus on empowering youth through training, enhancing the capabilities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and fostering innovation.

The budget also includes Rs 1.948 billion to form an Environment Protection Force across ten zones in Punjab, part of a larger Rs 3 billion project. Furthermore, the EPA plans to install 24 Air Quality Measurement Systems (AQMS) under the World Bank’s PCAP program, with a total project cost of Rs 3 billion.

Recent studies highlight that urban areas like Lahore face severe air quality challenges. In 2021, Lahore was listed among the top ten cities with the worst air pollution globally, which emphasizes the urgency of these initiatives. According to the World Health Organization, poor air quality contributes to serious health issues, underscoring the importance of these government efforts.

These planned investments aim not only to improve air quality but also to engage young people in environmental stewardship, creating a more sustainable future for Punjab.

For more insights on air quality issues and government initiatives, you can explore resources from the World Health Organization.

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Environmental Protection Agency,Punjab government,climate change,World Bank