The World Bank has approved a $300 million loan to assist address Punjab’s air pollution issue.

The World Bank Group’s Board of Directors has authorized a $300 million International Development Association (IDA) loan for the Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP), which would improve air quality management and battle pollution.

PCAP will help the Punjab government’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan (SMAP) address the pressing issue of smog and air pollution by launching a number of comprehensive initiatives aimed at improving air quality and public health across the province, particularly in key sectors such as transportation, agriculture, industry, energy, and municipal services.

“The Punjab Clean Air Program supports the Province’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan and is a historic initiative to significantly improve air quality and improve the health and well-being of millions of residents,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director in Pakistan.

“Cleaner air will reduce the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and contribute to a healthier, more livable environment.”

The Punjab Clean Air Program (PCAP) is aligned with the new World Bank Country Partnership Framework (CPF) and aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 35% over the next decade, significantly lowering the incidence of respiratory illnesses and other pollution-related health issues among the 13 million residents of Lahore Division.
The initiative aims to increase air quality management (AQM) infrastructure, improve regulatory and institutional capacity, execute targeted sectoral abatement measures, and raise public awareness.

Key interventions include the purchase of 5000 super seeders to address the primary issue of excessive seasonal fog – crop residue burning, the introduction of 600 electric buses to encourage a modal shift to public transportation, the expansion of regulatory-grade air quality monitoring stations throughout Punjab, and the establishment of two new fuel testing laboratories to improve fuel quality.

Recognizing the importance of public participation in achieving cleaner air, the program encourages behavioral change and active citizen engagement by using air quality monitoring data and emissions inventories to educate stakeholders about air pollution sources, health effects, and reduction strategies.

Vulnerable groups will get special attention through tailored messages and warnings, especially in schools and hospitals.

The PCAP’s climate co-benefits of decreasing PM2.5 include reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

The initiative is expected to cut GHG emissions by 35.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide over the next 12 years, therefore helping the environment and contributing to climate change mitigation.

The initiative will also create an integrated inventory system for pollutant and GHG emissions, providing a complete method to collecting and managing emissions data.

According to Shyam Srinivasan, the project’s task team leader, “the Punjab Clean Air Program will greatly benefit farmers by improving access to advanced technologies for better crop management, creating job opportunities in the e-bus and depot sectors, and supporting vehicle owners in renewing aging vehicles.”

Through training and capacity building, it will also improve government officials’ abilities and expertise, which will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and healthy environment.