Punjab Government Imposes ‘Suthra Punjab’ Garbage Tax on Households and Businesses

Lahore, — The Punjab government has officially imposed a garbage collection tax under the “Suthra Punjab” (Clean Punjab) initiative, starting with posh urban and commercial areas. The tax structure was approved by the Punjab Cabinet and aims to enhance cleanliness and waste management across the province.

### **Residential Tax Rates:**

* **Urban Areas:**

* 5 Marla house: Rs. 300/month
* 5 to 10 Marla house: Rs. 500/month
* 10 Marla to 1 Kanal house: Rs. 1,000/month
* 2 to 4 Kanal house: Rs. 2,000/month
* Above 4 Kanal house: Rs. 5,000/month

* **Rural Areas:**

* All houses up to 10 Marla: Rs. 200/month
* 10 Marla to 1 Kanal house: Rs. 400/month
* Above 2 Kanal house: Rs. 400/month

### **Commercial Tax Rates:**

* **Shops:**

* Small shops: Rs. 500/month in cities, Rs. 300 in villages
* Medium shops: Rs. 1,000/month in cities, Rs. 700 in villages
* Large commercial centers: Rs. 3,000/month in cities, Rs. 2,000 in villages

The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) has already begun distributing the new garbage tax bills. Revenue and operational teams of LWMC will handle both the delivery and collection of the charges.

The move aims to boost cleanliness and ensure sustainable waste management, but it is expected to generate mixed reactions, particularly in lower-income and rural communities.