Climate Change Now a Central Challenge: Punjab Allocates Rs123 Billion to Combat Smog — CM Maryam Nawaz
**BELEM, BRAZIL (Qudrat Daily)** — Punjab Chief Minister **Maryam Nawaz Sharif** has said that tackling the impact of climate change has become the central focus of every major policy decision, as the province **increases its anti-smog budget from Rs94 billion to Rs123 billion.**
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the **Pakistan Pavilion at COP30 in Belem, Brazil**, the Chief Minister said Punjab is moving towards **clean energy, waste-to-fuel projects, and modern environmental management systems.**
> “Punjab’s forests are no longer silent, our lakes are reviving — the heartbeat of nature is returning,” she declared.
Maryam Nawaz said the province is transforming **waste dumps into fuel and green spaces**, launching **ten major automated rapid transit systems**, and expanding the **Punjab Clean Air and E-Mobility Vision** across the province.
She emphasized that Punjab has implemented **actionable systems, not mere slogans**, establishing **District Water and Sanitation Authorities in 41 districts** and initiating clean water programs in **66 cities**. Around **2,500 model villages** are being developed with complete sanitation and clean drinking water systems.
Highlighting Punjab’s efforts in **wildlife and biodiversity protection**, the Chief Minister said over **35,000 birds and 700 animals** have been rescued, and South Asia’s **largest wildlife hospital** is under construction. Strict penalties — up to **seven years in jail and Rs5 million fines** — have been imposed for animal cruelty or illegal trade.
Referring to the devastating **2025 floods**, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab carried out the **largest rescue operation in its history**, saving **2.6 million people and 2.1 million animals.** She said lessons from that disaster led to **early warning systems, digital relief surveys, and transparent financial aid mechanisms.**
The Chief Minister said that the province now operates **100 air-quality monitoring stations** linked to a **real-time Smog War Room** using machine learning. A **Climate Observatory** in Lahore will serve as **South Asia’s first real-time climate intelligence center**, integrating satellite and sensor data for advanced forecasting.
She noted a **65% reduction in crop residue burning** after providing **5,000 super seeders, 15 balers, and modern harvesters** to farmers under an **Rs80 billion interest-free loan program.**
Maryam Nawaz unveiled Punjab’s plans for **electric mobility**, announcing **1,500 electric buses across 42 cities**, along with **120,000 e-bikes and e-rickshaws** under the Clean Air Program. Soon, **1,100 electric taxis** will also be launched to promote green transport and employment.
The Chief Minister said the **Sethera Punjab (Clean Punjab) program** has created **150,000 green jobs**, linking every street and home to a digital cleanliness network. Waste is now being converted into **biofuel, biogas, and fertilizers**, with **recycling parks** turning plastic, glass, and metal into raw materials.
She also announced the creation of a **Rs12.5 billion Climate Endowment Fund** and highlighted Punjab’s leadership in **climate-smart agriculture, AI-driven environmental monitoring, and green financing.**
> “Our industries, once symbols of smoke, are now partners in sustainable growth,” she said. “Eighty-five percent of Punjab’s industries now operate with modern emission control systems.”
Maryam Nawaz concluded her address with a global call to action:
> “If the Amazon is the world’s green heart, the Indus is its heritage. From the rainforests of Brazil to the rivers of Punjab, we must unite as green hearts — to turn every pile of waste into energy, every child into an environmental innovator, and every act into hope for our planet.”
She urged both the **Global North and Global South** to forge a new balance, adding, “True leadership today means partnership with nature. Together, we can turn historic injustices into a shared mission — the survival of Earth itself.”
