Lahore: The Government of Punjab on Monday allocated PKR 5.917 billion for environmental protection purposes under Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 – whereas last year’s allocation for the same stood at PKR 1 billion, according to news sources.
The Environment Protection Department is aiming to promote sustainable development in the province this year through the ‘integration of environmental considerations in pursuit of economic growth’. The department seeks to protect the environment by reducing the adverse impact of industrialisation and economic growth.
The major initiatives for 2020-21 include:
Establishment of Environmental Monitoring Centre
Establishment of Environmental Endowment Fund/Provincial Sustainable Development Fund (PSDF) for promoting ‘green investments’ throughout the province
Establishment of Enhanced Air and Water Quality Monitoring System
Development of Missing Environmental Quality Standards and revision of existing standards
Restructuring and Capacity building of the Environmental Protection Department and other related agencies
Commencement of activities as proposed by the Final Report of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Technical Assistance for Revitalisation of the ecosystem of River Ravi
Strengthening of Program Coordination Unit (PCU) of Punjab Green Development Program (PGDP) in Planning and Development Board.
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