In a bold and much-needed move, the Punjab government has officially halted the issuance of new permits for car wash stations across the province, responding to escalating drought warnings and water scarcity concerns. The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), under the Environment Department, issued the directive following an alarming advisory from the meteorological department. This advisory predicted that rainfall between September 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, would be nearly 42% below normal levels—an ominous sign pointing to moderate drought conditions.
The EPA’s decision wasn’t taken lightly. Car wash stations are known for their high water consumption—each vehicle wash can use up to 40 litres of water. With Punjab already facing dwindling water reserves, authorities believe this level of consumption is unsustainable. Establishing new stations under such conditions, they warn, could further strain the water supply, pushing the region toward a full-blown crisis.
Citing its authority under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act of 1997, the EPA’s Director General, Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, announced the immediate and comprehensive ban on setting up any new car wash stations. “We are entrusted with protecting the environment, and this includes safeguarding natural resources like water for current and future generations,” Dr. Sheikh emphasized in the notification. The ban remains in effect until further notice, and violators may face legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
This action underscores a growing trend of environmental consciousness in governance. While businesses might face temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefit of preserving Punjab’s water supply outweighs the short-term economic impact. With climate change no longer a distant threat but a current reality, such decisions mark a critical shift towards responsible and sustainable development.
Simultaneously, administrative teams across Lahore ramped up anti-encroachment efforts. From Kahna Nau to Raiwind and Shahdara to The Mall, authorities seized unauthorized goods, demolished illegal structures, and took action against violators—demonstrating a firm stance on urban regulation and public order.
In another significant development, the Lahore Development Authority is pushing ahead with sustainable urban planning projects, including the highly anticipated Gulberg housing scheme, signaling a broader commitment to eco-friendly growth models in Punjab.