Punjab’s “Suthra Punjab” Campaign Turns into “Kachra Punjab” in Lahore

The Punjab government’s “Suthra Punjab” campaign has turned into a “Kachra Punjab” as most areas of Lahore remain engulfed in waste, with only a few areas receiving attention. Piles of garbage continue to dominate the city, with clogged drains filled with trash, while residents remain hopeful for the promised waste collection services that never arrive.

Despite the efforts of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to launch the cleanliness drive, Lahore, the heart of Pakistan, remains dirty. Areas like China Scheme, Shadbagh, LDA Flats, Chungi Amarsidhu, Kacha Jail Road, Gujar Colony, Youhanaabad, Ferozepur Road, and surrounding neighborhoods are overwhelmed with garbage.

The drains of Chungi Amarsidhu and Ferozepur Road have turned into dumping grounds for waste, causing inconvenience to citizens and severely affecting businesses.

While the government initiated a door-to-door waste collection campaign, the absence of 3,000 rickshaw loaders has left the mission incomplete. Citizens have complained about the lack of cleanliness efforts in their areas, with garbage remaining unattended for days.

Zulfiqarain Haider, Deputy CEO of Lahore Waste Management Company, stated that while the company’s workers do their part in cleaning, citizens fail to take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness. He added that 700 rickshaw loaders are working across 70 union councils, but the lack of proper infrastructure continues to hamper the campaign’s success.