EPA Punjab launches skimming boat to remove plastic waste from Lahore Canal

LAHORE: Punjab’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday launched its first skimming boat designed to remove plastic waste from canals and rivers, in a major step towards tackling plastic pollution. The boat will begin operations as a pilot project in the Lahore Canal, marking the introduction of a technology-based solution to address water pollution in the province. EPA Punjab officials said the skimming boat, with a waste collection bin installed at its front, would play a vital role in collecting floating plastic waste from waterways, supporting the province’s broader campaign against plastic pollution. They noted that the pilot project would help assess the effectiveness of the technology before its potential expansion to other canals and rivers across Punjab. The announcement was made during a seminar held in Lahore on Friday to mark Plastic Bag Free Day. Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Kanwal Liaqat attended the event as chief guest, while EPA Punjab’s Director General (DG) Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh was the guest of honour. The seminar brought together government officials, environmental experts, industry representatives, civil society organisations, media personnel and other stakeholders. Participants renewed their commitment to avoiding the use of banned plastic bags and supporting efforts to make Punjab environmentally sustainable. Highlighting the achievements of the anti-plastic campaign, the officials said more than 50,000 business owners had pledged not to use banned plastic bags. They added that enforcement teams had confiscated over 600,000kg of prohibited plastic during the campaign and imposed fines exceeding Rs20 million on violators. Dr Sheikh stressed that practical measures were essential to eliminate plastic pollution. He added that the real challenge would begin after the pledges, as commitments needed to be translated into concrete action. He reaffirmed the EPA’s determination to eliminate banned single-use plastic bags from Punja