Punjab budget: Rs15bn proposed for environment, climate change
Under this allocation, the provincial government wants to establish 'climate observatory' at an estimated cost of Rs 5 billion out of which it has been proposed to allocate Rs 3 billion during the next financial year.
Besides, the government intends to establish environmental complexes in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur and DG Khan with an estimated cost of Rs 1.4 billion.
There is also a proposal in the Annual Development Programme called 'CM Punjab Climate Leadership Development Internship Programme estimated at Rs 0.4 billion for transforming the youth through empowerment, skill development, supporting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its functions, fostering innovation and building networks.
A sum of Rs 1.948 billion has also been proposed for establishing an Environment Protection Force in 10 zones of Punjab. The total worth of the project is Rs 3 billion. Under the World Bank's PCAP programme the EPA will also install 24 Air Quality Measurement Systems (AQMS) at different places. The total cost of the project is Rs 3 billion while allocation made in the budget 2025-26 is Rs 0.05 billion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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