The World Bank has approved a $300 million International Development Association (IDA) loan for the Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP) to enhance air quality management and combat pollution in the province.
With Lahore consistently ranking among the world’s most polluted cities, particularly during winter when smog levels become hazardous, the provincial government has struggled to mitigate the worsening air quality. This persistent pollution has led to a rise in health-related issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
In a statement, the World Bank said that the PCAP will support Punjab’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan (SMAP) by launching several initiatives aimed at improving air quality, particularly in key sectors such as transport, agriculture, industry, energy, and municipal services.
Comprehensive Measures to Improve Air Quality
Najy Benhassine, the World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, described the program as a landmark initiative to significantly enhance air quality and public health.
“Cleaner air will reduce the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, contributing to a healthier and more livable environment,” he stated.
Benhassine added that PCAP aligns with the World Bank’s new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 35% over the next decade. This reduction is expected to decrease pollution-related health issues for the 13 million residents of Lahore division.
The program will focus on strengthening air quality management (AQM) infrastructure, enhancing regulatory and institutional capacity, implementing targeted pollution control measures, and increasing public awareness about air pollution and its impact on health.
Key Interventions Under PCAP
Shyam Srinivasan, the Task Team Leader for the project, highlighted several key initiatives under PCAP, including:
- Deployment of 5,000 super seeders to reduce crop residue burning, a major contributor to seasonal smog.
- Introduction of 600 electric buses to promote public transport and reduce vehicular emissions.
- Expansion of regulatory-grade air quality monitoring stations across Punjab to improve pollution tracking.
- Establishment of two new fuel testing laboratories to enhance fuel quality monitoring.
Recognizing the importance of public participation, the program also aims to promote behavioral change and active citizen engagement. It will utilize air quality monitoring data and emissions inventories to educate stakeholders on pollution sources, health impacts, and mitigation strategies. Special attention will be given to vulnerable populations, with targeted advisories for schools and hospitals.
Climate and Economic Benefits
The PCAP is expected to generate significant climate co-benefits by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The estimated reduction in GHGs over the next 12 years is 35.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Additionally, the program will develop an integrated pollutant and GHG emissions inventory system to comprehensively track and manage emissions data.
Srinivasan also emphasized the economic benefits of PCAP, stating that the program will provide farmers with access to advanced crop management technologies, create job opportunities in the electric bus sector, and assist vehicle owners in upgrading aging vehicles. Furthermore, it will enhance the skills of government officials through training and capacity-building programs, ultimately fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment.
With this initiative, Punjab takes a crucial step towards combating air pollution, improving public health, and addressing climate challenges through long-term, sustainable measures.
