Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
A plan has been initiated to further improve, restore and beautify 6,500 acres of green areas across 20 districts of Punjab following the direction of the Chief Minister Punjab. The initiative will focus on better maintenance and management of existing green spaces across the province.
The 20 horticulture agencies operating in the province collectively manage thousands of acres of green areas. Efforts are now being made to improve the upkeep and overall appearance of these spaces through better management and modern horticulture practices.
Under the initiative, attention will also be given to improving the quality and management of nurseries operated by the horticulture agencies. Better nursery standards are expected to support the availability of quality plants and strengthen the province’s broader landscaping and beautification efforts.
Authorities are also considering the introduction of modern machinery and technology in place of traditional methods used for horticulture and beautification activities. The use of modern equipment could improve the speed, efficiency and quality of maintenance work.
The horticulture agencies also have significant potential to increase their revenue through improved management of their available resources. As part of the proposed reforms, the revenue collection process is being considered for digitisation to make collections more transparent, efficient and easier to monitor.
Improved management of the 6,500 acres of green areas is expected to contribute to better urban environments, increased greenery and more attractive public spaces across the participating districts.
Officials are also focusing on greater use of technology and digital systems in horticulture management. Such measures could reduce reliance on manual processes, improve operational efficiency and strengthen monitoring of activities carried out by the relevant agencies.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance urban beautification, improve public green spaces and strengthen horticulture management across Punjab through modern and more efficient systems.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has launched a province wide enforcement operation against environmental violations, directing authorities to intensify monitoring and take strict action against individuals, businesses and vehicles found violating environmental regulations.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, where officials reviewed ongoing enforcement measures under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Clean Lahore, Healthy Punjab” programme.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that enforcement agencies had already taken action against a number of environmental violations across the province. Notices were issued to 18 units, while four units were sealed over violations of environmental regulations.
Authorities also intensified action against construction-related violations, sealing six sites for failing to comply with applicable environmental requirements. Enforcement measures were further extended to polythene use, with 36 locations sealed for violations linked to the use of prohibited plastic materials.
The operation also targeted vehicles contributing to air pollution. Officials reported that 10 smoke-emitting vehicles were impounded, while 24 challans were issued against violators. A further 24 vehicles were sealed as part of the enforcement drive against excessive smoke emissions and environmental violations.
The provincial government has now decided to broaden the operation to other parts of Punjab and strengthen field monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental laws. Officials have been directed to maintain closer surveillance of industrial, commercial, construction and transport-related activities that could contribute to air pollution and other environmental hazards.
The decision assumes added importance ahead of the crop-harvesting season, when increased agricultural activity can contribute to deteriorating air quality if environmental regulations are not properly enforced.
The government is also expected to intensify inspections and enforcement as part of its efforts to control pollution and improve environmental conditions across major urban and rural areas of Punjab.
The latest measures reflect the provincial administration’s broader effort to move beyond Lahore and establish stronger province-wide mechanisms for identifying environmental violations, issuing notices, sealing non-compliant sites and taking legal action against persistent offenders.
Officials said the expanded operation would focus on ensuring effective implementation of environmental regulations while supporting the objectives of the “Clean Lahore, Healthy Punjab” programme.
Remove unsupported enforcement claims
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Clarify the operation’s current scope

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan
Under the directives of Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq, the authority has further accelerated reforms in its field inspection and enforcement system. New instructions have been issued to all relevant wings and field staff to ensure clear identification of officials and personnel during field operations.
According to the directives issued by the LDA, all relevant staff engaged in field activities will be required to prominently display QR-code-based official identification cards. Officials and personnel deployed in the field will also be required to wear designated LDA jackets, enabling citizens to easily distinguish authorised LDA teams from unauthorised individuals.
Under the new protocols, LDA deputy directors, assistant directors, inspectors, enforcement teams, surveyors and other field personnel have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the instructions. Officials have been instructed to maintain proper identification and follow the prescribed procedures during all field inspections and enforcement activities.
According to LDA officials, the measures are primarily aimed at tightening the crackdown on private individuals who misuse the authority’s name or falsely claim to exercise LDA powers, while protecting citizens from fraudulent or unauthorised persons. Complaints have emerged in various instances regarding individuals approaching citizens in the name of government departments or conducting purported field inspections, prompting the authority to strengthen its identification mechanism.
The LDA has also urged citizens to verify the official identity of personnel who visit them for inspections or other official activities. Citizens have been advised to check the QR coded identification card and confirm the credentials of the visiting officials before cooperating with any inspection or enforcement activity.
The authority has made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against private individuals who mislead citizens by using the LDA’s name, designation or purported official powers. The authority will also continue strengthening monitoring of field activities and improving the verification system for its field personnel.
According to the LDA, the reforms are intended to promote transparency in field inspections, enhance public confidence and prevent the unauthorised use of the authority’s name. The introduction of QR coded identification cards and designated jackets will make it easier for citizens to identify genuine LDA field teams while helping authorities take more effective action against individuals posing as government officials.