Lahore: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab has imposed a complete ban on the establishment of new car wash stations across the province in response to the ongoing water crisis. This directive, issued on Saturday by EPA Punjab Director General Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, aims to conserve the region’s strained water resources during a period of mild to moderate drought.
The decision comes after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned of a 42% decrease in rainfall across Punjab from September 2024 to January 2025, contributing to a drought-like situation. The operation of car wash stations consumes significant amounts of water—approximately 400 liters per vehicle—exacerbating the already critical shortage.
Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh emphasized that the EPA’s mandate is to safeguard the environment and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. He stated that the ban is necessary to prevent further depletion of water supplies, which could lead to severe environmental and socio-economic consequences. The EPA has warned that strict penalties will be imposed on violators of this order, which is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
“Any violation of this order will result in punishment under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC),” the statement concluded, signaling the government’s firm stance on protecting the environment.
This move is part of the EPA Punjab’s broader efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development in the region.
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