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July 4, 2026
Punjab has launched Pakistan’s first skimming boat to remove plastic waste from canals, strengthening efforts to combat pollution and protect waterways.
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA Punjab) has launched Pakistan’s first skimming boat designed to remove floating plastic waste from canals and rivers, marking a new step in the province’s efforts to tackle plastic pollution and improve environmental sustainability.
The pilot project will begin operations in the Lahore Canal, where the boat will use a front-mounted collection system to gather plastic bags, bottles and other floating debris from the water. Officials said the initiative will help assess the technology’s effectiveness before considering its deployment in additional waterways across Punjab.
The announcement was made during a seminar in Lahore to mark Plastic Bag Free Day. Kanwal Liaqat, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, and Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, Director General of EPA Punjab, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to reducing plastic pollution and eliminating the use of single-use plastic bags.
According to EPA Punjab, the province has made significant progress in implementing its anti-plastic campaign. More than 50,000 businesses have pledged to stop using banned plastic bags, reflecting growing participation from the private sector in environmental protection efforts.
Officials also reported that enforcement teams have confiscated more than 600,000 kilograms of prohibited plastic products and imposed fines exceeding Rs20 million on businesses and individuals found violating plastic regulations.
The provincial government said it will continue strengthening its campaign against plastic pollution through increased enforcement, technology-driven monitoring and the implementation of the Punjab Plastic Management Strategy 2023. Authorities believe combining technological solutions with stricter regulation can help reduce plastic waste entering waterways and improve the overall health of the province’s ecosystems.
The launch of the skimming boat represents a practical addition to Punjab’s environmental management efforts by targeting floating waste before it spreads through rivers and drainage systems. Officials said the pilot project will provide valuable operational data that could support wider adoption of the technology in other canals and water bodies across the province.
The government has also urged citizens, businesses and local communities to support ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable environmental practices. By combining public participation with enforcement and technological innovation, Punjab aims to build cleaner waterways and move towards a more environmentally sustainable future.
