The decision comes after the Lahore High Court’s order.

The committee formed under the LHC’s orders includes Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Punjab Environment Protection and Climate Change Department Secretary Raja Jahangir, and EPD Director General Imran Hamid.

The government has ordered the “immediate closure” of illegal service stations across Punjab. Also, all service stations are required to install water recycling systems by February 28.

Furthermore, the use of oil for washing vehicles is also banned.

The new regulations extend to the use of hoses for washing cars, which will also result in a Rs10,000 fine.

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There is a prohibition on using groundwater for construction activities.

Such measures are part of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997 and will be enforced “immediately,” especially as the province has seen a 42% reduction in rainfall over the past five years.

The law aims to safeguard, conserve, restore, and enhance the environment, as well as to prevent and control pollution while promoting sustainable development.