The World Bank Group Board of Directors has given the green light for a $300 million International Development Association (IDA) loan to support the Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP).
This initiative aims to strengthen air quality management and combat air pollution across Punjab, addressing critical environmental and public health challenges in the province.
PCAP is designed to complement the Government of Punjab’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan (SMAP), focusing on key sectors such as transport, agriculture, industry, energy, and municipal services. The program will launch several comprehensive measures to improve air quality and reduce pollution-related health risks for millions of residents across Punjab.
“The Punjab Clean Air Program supports the Province’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan and is a landmark initiative to significantly improve air quality and enhance the health and well-being of millions of residents,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. “Cleaner air will reduce the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and contribute to a healthier, more livable environment.”
The Punjab Clean Air Program aligns with the new World Bank Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 35% over the next decade. This initiative is expected to have a profound impact on public health, particularly in the Lahore Division, home to 13 million residents who suffer from deteriorating air quality.
The program will focus on strengthening air quality management (AQM) infrastructure, enhancing regulatory capacity, implementing targeted pollution control measures, and increasing public awareness. Some key interventions include the deployment of 5,000 super seeders to mitigate the issue of excessive seasonal smog caused by crop residue burning, the introduction of 600 electric buses to promote sustainable public transport, the expansion of air quality monitoring stations across Punjab, and the establishment of two new fuel testing laboratories to ensure better fuel quality standards.
Recognizing the crucial role of public participation, PCAP emphasizes behavioral change and citizen engagement. The program will utilize air quality monitoring data and emissions inventories to educate communities about pollution sources, health risks, and mitigation strategies. Special efforts will be made to protect vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren and hospital patients, through targeted advisories and awareness campaigns.
The World Bank has highlighted the program’s significant climate benefits, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Over the next 12 years, PCAP is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
In addition to environmental benefits, the Punjab Clean Air Program is expected to bring economic advantages. It will provide farmers with access to advanced agricultural technologies, generate employment opportunities in the electric bus and depot sectors, and assist vehicle owners in upgrading outdated vehicles. Furthermore, government officials will receive specialized training to enhance their skills and knowledge in air quality management, ensuring a long-term sustainable impact.
“The Punjab Clean Air Program will significantly benefit farmers by improving access to advanced technologies for better crop management, create job opportunities in the e-bus and depot sectors, and support vehicle owners in renewing aging vehicles,” said Shyam Srinivasan, Task Team Leader for the project. “Additionally, it will enhance the skills and knowledge of government officials through training and capacity building, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment.”