Lahore:

Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a sweeping crash at car wash stations across the province so as not to install mandatory water recovery systems, as part of wider efforts to fight an escalating water crisis.

The move comes after EPA introduced a provincial ban last week at the creation of new car washing stations to prevent further load on Punjab’s water resources.

The enforcement campaign was triggered by a period of February 28 for compliance and targeted at 3,525 car washing facilities ordered to adopt water -saving systems. According to EPA officials, the initiative is intended to limit excessive water consumption in the middle of the installation of drought conditions. Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that precipitation in Punjab from September 1, 2024 to January 15, 2025 was 42% below average.

From this week, EPA has released messages to 2,557 stations, closed 322 and sealed 159 for non -compliance. Fines exceeding RS600,000 have been imposed. Meanwhile, 646 facilities have installed the required recycling systems.

The crash follows an order issued on February 12 by EPA General Director Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh, which also requires an RS100,000 penalty for non-compatible petrol pumps. In a related measure, the government has banned vehicle sinks by private homes, with offenders facing fines.

To further protect the provincial exhaustive water reserves, the EPA issued a directive last week – in accordance with section 6 (2). The order, signed by Dr. Sheikh, gives the Agency legal authority to enforce environmental protection and sustainable development policies.

“Effective immediately this order must remain in effect until it is changed or withdrawn,” EPA said. The directive also warned that violations would be criminal in accordance with section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

EPA, which highlighted the environmental toll for commercial car wash, noted that traditional stations use about 400 liters of water per day. Vehicle – a level that is considered unsustainable under the current conditions.