Punjab has made a significant move to improve sanitation and waste management with the launch of the Suthra Punjab Program. Provincial Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq leads the initiative. The Suthra Punjab program aims to address waste management challenges in both urban and rural areas.
A Historic Milestone
At the launch, Minister Rafiq called the program a groundbreaking milestone. He emphasized that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made cleanliness a top priority and acted swiftly to address the issue. Furthermore, the minister acknowledged the challenges of implementing the program in a province without a structured waste management system.
Comprehensive Waste Management Strategy
Punjab produces about 60,000 tons of waste daily. Much of it, however, goes uncollected due to limited resources and equipment. To tackle this, the program’s first phase focuses on outsourcing waste management in 110 of Punjab’s 149 tehsils. This phase introduces house-to-house garbage collection, de-silting operations, and restructuring the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC).
Additionally, each tehsil will have at least one designated dumping site to ensure proper waste disposal.
Future Plans and Innovations
The Suthra Punjab program is not just about cleaning up—it’s also about sustainability and innovation. Minister Rafiq revealed plans to generate energy from waste in the second phase. So far, the program has created 88,000 jobs, with many more opportunities on the horizon.
Moreover, 25,000 vehicles and machines have already been acquired for waste management. In addition, artificial intelligence will allow for real-time monitoring and control through tehsil, district, and division-level control rooms.
Citizen Involvement and Transparency
The program strongly encourages public participation. Citizens will be able to use a mobile app to report sanitation issues. In cases where complaints remain unresolved, penalties will be enforced, ensuring accountability.
Transforming Punjab’s Cleanliness Landscape
The Suthra Punjab program aims to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Punjab. With advanced technology, public cooperation, and robust strategies, the program is poised to redefine cleanliness standards across the province.
