In a bid to curb water wastage amid declining rainfall, the Punjab Environment Department has introduced strict measures, banning car washing and the use of water pipes at home. The new regulations come in response to a directive from the Lahore High Court (LHC), aiming to conserve water and prevent further depletion of the province’s water resources.
Violators of the ban will face a fine of Rs10,000, as part of the province’s broader efforts to promote water conservation. The ban on using water pipes at home is effective immediately, and strict penalties will be enforced to discourage excessive water usage.
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Crackdown on Service Stations Without Recycling Systems
Additionally, all illegal service stations have been ordered to shut down, while service stations operating without a water recycling system will be fined Rs100,000. The deadline for compliance is February 28, 2025. From this date onward, all service stations in Punjab must have water recycling systems in place.
The notification also extends to construction sites, prohibiting the use of oil for vehicle washing and the extraction of groundwater for construction purposes. This move aims to reduce further strain on the province’s groundwater resources.
Water Conservation Amid Declining Rainfall
Punjab has experienced a significant decrease in rainfall over the past five years, receiving 42% less precipitation, according to officials. This has made water conservation a critical priority, as the region faces growing concerns over water scarcity. The restrictions have been introduced under the Punjab Environmental Act to tackle this issue head-on.
Lahore High Court’s Involvement and EPA Oversight
LHC Justice Shahid Karim commended the Punjab government for its progressive measures aimed at water conservation, drought prevention, and overall environmental sustainability. The court has entrusted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the responsibility of monitoring compliance with the new regulations, including overseeing service stations and imposing fines on violators.
In its ruling, the LHC emphasized the importance of preventing water wastage at home, with individuals who wash cars and waste water facing fines. Service stations without recycling systems will also face heavy penalties, and the EPA has been directed to carry out inspections and ensure compliance.
Establishment of Water Conservation Authority
To further institutionalize these efforts, the court highlighted the establishment of a dedicated authority led by the Chief Minister of Punjab, which will oversee water conservation initiatives across the province. Additionally, local governments have been tasked with enforcing the installation of treatment plants for new residential and commercial developments, ensuring that water recycling is integrated into future construction projects.
These measures form part of Punjab’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, including improvements in the transport sector and pollution control efforts, demonstrating the province’s focus on long-term water security and environmental well-being.
