November 1, 2025
Environmental experts have raised concerns that Lahore’s massive cleanliness campaign under the Suthra Punjab program might worsen the city’s already critical air pollution levels if not properly managed.
Khawar, an urban policy analyst, argued that the government should prioritize modernizing its sanitation fleet rather than expanding it. “Instead of adding more diesel-fueled vehicles, the focus should be on upgrading existing ones to reduce fuel emissions. This would not only lower pollution but also help ease traffic congestion,” he said.
Maryam Shah, a member of the Air Quality Initiative, agreed that some emissions from sanitation operations are unavoidable but stressed the need for practical solutions. “Although zero-emission vehicles are the ideal solution, given our current resources and limitations, practical alternatives should be prioritized,” she said.
Dr. Saadia Khalid, an environmentalist, suggested that Lahore should phase out petrol-powered rickshaws and adopt electric or pedal carts for waste collection, especially in narrow streets. “These vehicles don’t require high speeds, so converting them to electric or manual versions is both feasible and effective. Such a move could significantly cut emissions,” she added.
Lahore has long been listed among the world’s most polluted cities, with its air quality consistently hovering at dangerous levels. Experts emphasize that maintaining cleanliness and protecting air quality are not opposing objectives—they are two sides of the same environmental strategy. If the balance tilts too far toward one goal, they warn, the Suthra Punjab campaign might clean the streets but poison the air.
Ali Ijaz, Deputy Director at the Environment Protection Department, admitted that large-scale sanitation efforts do contribute to pollution. “However, uncollected waste releases methane gas, which is even more hazardous than vehicle emissions. So far, around 260,000 vehicles have undergone emission testing, and from October 20 onwards, we’ve launched a strict crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles,” he said.
