The World Bank granted a $300 million loan to help Punjab solve its air pollution problems.

The World Bank Group’s Board of Directors approved a $300 million International Development Association (IDA) loan for the Punjab Clean Air Programme (PCAP), which aims to improve air quality management and combat pollution.
PCAP will support the Punjab government’s Smog Mitigation Action Plan (SMAP) in addressing 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 while also improving 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 in line 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’s goals are to strengthen air quality management (AQM) infrastructure, improve regulatory and institutional capacity, implement targeted sectoral abatement measures, and promote 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 populations will receive additional attention, including personalized messages and cautions, particularly in schools and hospitals.

The PCAP’s climatic co-benefits of reducing PM2.5 include lower greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

The effort is estimated to reduce GHG emissions by 35.6 million metric tons of CO2 over the next 12 years, benefiting the environment and contributing to climate change mitigation.

The effort will also establish an integrated inventory system for pollutant and GHG emissions, offering a comprehensive way for collecting and managing emissions data.

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

Through training and capacity building, government officials’ talents and knowledge will be improved, resulting in a more sustainable and healthier environment.