The Punjab government has unveiled the Green Credit Programme in Lahore, introducing a groundbreaking initiative that empowers citizens to actively combat environmental issues. Shifting from mere awareness campaigns to actionable engagement, the program rewards residents for contributing to sustainable practices, offering financial incentives for green activities.
A Reward System for Environmental Action
Under the initiative, citizens can participate in 29 diverse environmental solutions, including tree plantation, waste management, and renewable energy adoption. Participants earn Green Credits, each valued at Rs10,000, by registering their activities on the government’s website: www.greencredit.punjab.gov.pk.
Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary of the Environment Protection Department, explained the user-friendly registration process. Citizens can submit multiple activities across categories individually or collectively. “This initiative allows participants to support the environment while earning rewards—essentially making ‘money grow on trees,’” Anwar said.
Activities That Earn Green Credits
The program offers a wide range of green actions eligible for credits. These include:
- Renewable Energy Adoption: Installing solar panels, cookers, or energy-efficient appliances can earn one Green Credit per kilowatt of energy saved or generated. For example, a solar cooker with an 80W to 500W panel could yield Rs800 to Rs5,000 in rewards.
- Sustainable Transportation: Buying a bicycle earns 0.25 Green Credits, with an additional 0.75 credits for riding it 100 kilometers in a month. Purchasing an e-bike grants one Green Credit, with another for riding it 1,000 kilometers within a month.
- Tree Plantation and Urban Greening: Planting and maintaining at least 10 native trees for six months earns four Green Credits. Similarly, rooftop gardening and greening open spaces contribute to urban biodiversity and reduce urban heat islands.
Other actions include installing rainwater harvesting systems, recycling food wrappers, and organizing environmental awareness activities. Even sharing climate-related content on social media can help participants earn rewards.
A Robust Verification System
To ensure authenticity, the program employs a stringent verification process. Participants must submit evidence such as purchase receipts, installation certificates, GPS-tagged photos, or maintenance logs. Physical inspections and compliance checks further reinforce transparency.
Mobilizing Youth and Communities
Senior Minister for Environment Protection and Climate Change, Marriyum Aurangzeb, emphasized the program’s focus on engaging the public, particularly the youth. She stated, “The Green Credit Programme integrates environmental responsibility into daily life while rewarding individuals for building a sustainable future.”
The initiative aims to harness growing environmental awareness by transforming citizens into active contributors toward combating climate change. It also supports government operations and promotes community-led solutions, such as rehabilitating land and installing waste segregation bins.
Read: Punjab Government Approves World Bank-Funded Clean Air Initiative
A Vision for Sustainable Living
The Chief Minister’s Green Credit Programme sets a precedent for merging environmental responsibility with financial incentives. By empowering citizens to take proactive steps, it fosters a greener and cleaner Lahore, paving the way for a sustainable future.
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