Punjab Reportedly Bans Production of Motorcycle Rickshaws

The Punjab government has announced major measures to curb environmental pollution and smog, including a principled decision to ban the production of petrol-powered motorcycle rickshaws across the province.

The production of petrol motorcycles will also be phased out gradually.

The decisions were taken during a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Anti-Smog, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

The meeting also approved a policy requiring all government departments to purchase only electric or hybrid vehicles and electric motorcycles in the future.

A complete ban has been imposed on washing vehicles at home using water. The government further decided to introduce colour-coded waste bins similar to systems used in developed countries, to improve waste management.

Officials stressed that strict penalties will be imposed for burning plastic or any material that produces toxic smoke, warning that no leniency will be shown to anyone harming public health or the environment.

To control smoke-emitting vehicles, the cabinet approved the establishment of permanent testing workshops across Punjab.

The meeting was informed that a dedicated Smog War Room has already been set up at the Safe City Authority to monitor air quality and smog-control measures.

Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb briefed the meeting, stating that 41 air-quality monitoring systems are currently operational in 18 districts, while the deadline to install 100 additional air-quality sensors has been set for next year.

Officials also reported that more than 450 industrial units causing environmental pollution have been demolished, with fines amounting to Rs230 million imposed for violations.

The Night Squad alone demolished over 100 units in separate operations.

Province-wide action against polluting brick kilns has also intensified. A total of 2,200 kilns have been demolished, while another 2,336 have been sealed so far.