The World Bank Group Board of Directors has approved a $300 million International Development Association loan to support the Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP). This initiative is designed to aid the Government of Punjab’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan.
The PCAP focuses on improving air quality and public health throughout Punjab by addressing air pollution in several sectors, including transport, agriculture, industry, energy, and municipal services. Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, stated, "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. Cleaner air will reduce the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and contribute to a healthier, more livable environment."
The program aligns with the World Bank's new Country Partnership Framework and sets a goal of reducing PM2.5 levels by 35% over the next decade. It seeks to lower respiratory illnesses and other pollution-related health issues for Lahore Division's 13 million residents by advancing air quality management, enhancing regulatory capacity, implementing sectoral abatement measures, and promoting public awareness.
Key measures include deploying 5,000 super seeders to reduce crop residue burning, introducing 600 electric buses, expanding air quality monitoring stations, and enhancing fuel quality testing with new laboratories. Public participation is crucial, with efforts to educate stakeholders and target messaging to vulnerable groups.
Furthermore, PCAP is projected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next 12 years and will establish a system for tracking emissions. Shyam Srinivasan, Task Team Leader for the Project, said, “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."
Pakistan, a member of the World Bank since 1950, has received over $48.3 billion in assistance, with the current portfolio holding 54 projects and a commitment of $15.7 billion.