Islamabad, Feb 13: In a decisive step to conserve water, the Punjab Environment Department has prohibited car washing at home and the use of water pipes, imposing a fine of Rs10,000 on violators. This initiative follows the Lahore High Court’s directive to mitigate water wastage due to decreasing rainfall in the region.
According to an official notification, all unauthorized service stations must shut down immediately, while those operating without a water recycling system will be penalized with a Rs100,000 fine. To comply with new regulations, service stations in Punjab must install water recycling systems by February 28, 2025. Additionally, the use of oil for vehicle cleaning and groundwater extraction at construction sites has been strictly prohibited.
Officials have reported a 42% reduction in rainfall over the last five years, making water conservation a crucial concern. The newly enforced measures, implemented under the Punjab Environmental Act, take effect immediately to address the growing water crisis.
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Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim commended the Punjab government for its commitment to water conservation, pollution control, and environmental sustainability. In a detailed verdict, the court acknowledged the government’s extensive efforts over the past eleven months and assigned monitoring duties to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The court ruling confirms that individuals found wasting water while washing cars at home will be fined Rs10,000. Furthermore, petrol stations lacking water recycling systems will face penalties of Rs100,000. The EPA has been instructed to conduct inspections and oversee compliance, ensuring strict enforcement of these regulations.
To strengthen water conservation, legislative steps have been introduced, and a dedicated authority, led by the Chief Minister of Punjab, is being formed to oversee the initiative. Additionally, local governments have been directed to enforce the mandatory installation of water treatment plants in new residential and commercial developments.
The Lahore High Court has also reviewed various environmental policies in the transportation sector, reinforcing Punjab’s commitment to sustainable resource management. These initiatives mark a significant shift towards a more responsible approach to water usage, ensuring long-term environmental benefits for the province.
