LAHORE: The Punjab Environment Department has officially banned washing cars and using water pipes at home, enforcing a fine of Rs10,000 for violators.
The move comes as part of the Lahore High Court’s directive to curb excessive water wastage amid declining rainfall in the province.
According to a notification issued by the department, all illegal service stations have been ordered to shut down immediately. Moreover, service stations operating without a water recycling system will face a hefty fine of Rs100,000. To comply with the new regulations, service stations across Punjab must install water recycling systems by February 28, 2025.
The notification also prohibits the use of oil for washing vehicles and the use of groundwater at construction sites.
Officials revealed that Punjab has received 42% less rainfall over the past five years, making water conservation a critical priority. The restrictions, implemented under the Punjab Environmental Act, are effective immediately.
Meanwhile, Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim praised the Punjab government for its initiatives in water conservation, efficient water use, drought prevention, pollution control, and overall environmental improvement across the province.
In a written verdict, the Lahore High Court highlighted the Punjab government’s significant environmental measures and acknowledged its progress over the past eleven months. Justice Shahid Karim ordered that all monitoring responsibilities be entrusted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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