Islamabad: The World Bank approved a loan of $ 300 million International Development Association (IDA) for the Punjab Clean Air (PCAP) program to strengthen air quality management and combat air pollution.
SMOG reaching dangerous levels every winter, Lahore, the capital of Punjab, has constantly classified among the most polluted cities in the world in recent months, despite the continuous efforts of the provincial authorities to lower the levels of smog. Air quality worsening in the province has increased health related problems.
In a press release, the WB said that the PCAP would support the Action Action Action of the Smog of the Punjab Government (SMAP) to tackle the urgent question of SMOG and air pollution with the launch of several complete initiatives aimed at improving air quality and public health through the province, in particular in key sectors such as transport, agriculture, agriculture, agriculture, agriculture industry, energy and municipal services.
Pakistan’s Director of Pakistan, Najy Benhassine said: “The Punjab Clean Air program supports the province’s SMOG attenuation plan and is a historic initiative to considerably improve air quality and improve the health and well-being of millions of residents.”
He said: “Clean air will reduce the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and will contribute to a healthier and livable environment”.
Benhassine added that the PCAP is aligned with the new WB country’s partnership framework (CPF) and aims to reduce PM2.5% levels of 35% over the next decade, considerably decreasing the incidence of respiratory diseases and other health problems related to pollution for the 13 million residents of the Lahore division.
The program focuses on continuing to strengthen the air quality management infrastructure (AQM), improving regulatory and institutional capacity, targeted sectoral reduction measures and the promotion of public awareness, he added.
By giving details, the BB official said that key interventions include the investment of 5000 Super Sesers to reduce the main problem of excessive combustion of seasonal fog residues, the introduction of 600 electric buses to promote a modal change to public transport, the expansion of the fuel quality of the regulation of two new fuel laboratories.
Recognizing the importance of public participation in the realization of cleaner air, he declared that the program promotes behavioral change and active commitment of citizens, using air quality monitoring data and emission inventories to educate stakeholders on air pollution sources, health impacts and reduction measures.
He also said that special attention would be paid to vulnerable populations thanks to targeted messaging and opinions, including schools and hospitals.
The climatic co-alert co-alert of the PM 2.5 reduction includes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), he added.
The estimated GHG reduction for the program is 35.6 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 12 years, considerably benefiting the environment and contributing to the attenuation of climate change.
The program will also develop an inventory system for integrated pollutant and GES emissions to provide a complete approach to monitor and manage data on emissions, added Benhassine.
The task manager of the Shyam Srinivasan Shyam project said: “The Punjab Clean Air program will considerably benefit farmers by improving access to advanced technologies for better culture management, by creating job opportunities in the E-Bus and DEPOT sectors and support the owners of vehicles to renew aging vehicles.”
“In addition, this will improve the skills and knowledge of government officials through training and capacity building, ultimately contributing to a healthier and lasting environment,” he added.