Joint efforts should be made to provide pollution-free environment to our new generation; neat and clean environment was basic right of every human being and the government was utilising all its resources for ensuring this right.
Punjab Environment Minister Dr Anjum Amjad expressed these views while presiding over a departmental meeting here on Wednesday, said an official.
The minister said that pollution-free environment could not be ensured without participation of the masses, therefore, it was need of the hour to create awareness among the people in this regard.
She directed the district officers (environment) to hold seminars, stage walks and other functions with the co-operation of the chambers of commerce and NGOs in their respective districts.
She said the increase in population without any planning and spreading of urban areas speedily are the main and basic cause of the environment pollution. "The government was making hectic efforts to provide neat and clean environment to the citizens. Non-availability of latest technology, improper facilities of research and lack of awareness were the main problems in the past in this regard, but the provincial government has resolved all important issues. Research is being conducted on modern lines to keep the environment clean," she added.
The minister said that industrial zones were being established at Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Rahimyar Khan. She said that CNG transport was being promoted in order to overcome pollution being created by transport. Under Green Punjab Programme, CNG rickshaws have started plying in the city while CNG buses will also be started soon, she added.
Dr Anjum Amjad said the people, especially teachers and students, could play their due role in the elimination of environment pollution. The mister appealed to the Ulema, NGOs and media persons to create awareness among the people from their platforms on environment protection.