Punjab senior minister Maryam Aurangzeb has issued a dire warning about the dangers of using plastic, calling it a “death sentence” for the environment and public health.
Addressing a press conference, he urged consumers to pledge not to use plastic, saying that plastic cannot be recycled and emits harmful gases that cause cancer and death.
Aurangzeb highlighted the widespread use of plastic in daily life and its impact on health and the environment. To prevent pollution, he said plastic production has been stopped in Punjab and now there is no industry producing plastic bags and strict action will be taken against those violating the ban.
Addressing the smog problem, Aurangzeb admitted that although smog comes out of India, a significant 70% of the problem is caused by local industries.
He also said that the Punjab Chief Minister has subsidized the first batch of eco-friendly initiatives such as introducing e-buses and a new transit system in the province.
He said changes to the Highway Code will require all vehicles to obtain a fitness certificate before being allowed on the road, which aims to reduce vehicle emissions.
