The Punjab government has proposed a major increase in environmental spending for the fiscal year 2026-27, earmarking Rs17.2 billion for environmental protection, climate monitoring, air quality improvement and anti-smog initiatives across the province.
According to budget documents, the government has allocated substantial resources for a series of projects aimed at addressing air pollution, strengthening environmental monitoring systems and enhancing institutional capacity to tackle climate-related challenges.
The documents show that Punjab spent Rs123 billion during the outgoing fiscal year on various smog prevention and mitigation measures and plans to continue those efforts through new projects in the upcoming budget.
Punjab Environment Budget 2026-27
Major allocations for air quality, climate resilience and anti-smog initiatives
A total of Rs5.2 billion has been allocated to establish and expand air quality monitoring systems across the province. The government aims to strengthen real-time monitoring of air pollutants to support evidence-based policymaking and improve environmental enforcement.
Another Rs2.9 billion has been earmarked for water quality monitoring systems to improve surveillance of water resources and identify pollution risks.
The Punjab Smog Mitigation and Response Initiative, one of the province's flagship environmental programmes, has been allocated Rs5.3 billion. The initiative aims to reduce smog levels through coordinated monitoring, enforcement, and mitigation measures.
Punjab's anti-smog investment plan
Major air-quality projects proposed for FY2026-27
The government has also launched a Green Building Programme with an estimated cost of Rs3.7 billion. The programme is intended to promote environmentally sustainable construction practices and improve energy efficiency in buildings.
A major Climate Observatory project has been included in the development programme at a cost of Rs14.6 billion. Officials said the project will strengthen climate data collection, forecasting and environmental research capacity to support long-term climate resilience planning.
To improve environmental enforcement, the government plans to establish an Environment Protection Force in 10 zones across Punjab. The project has been allocated Rs3.7 billion and is expected to enhance monitoring of environmental violations and implementation of environmental laws.
Environment Protection Force
New enforcement force to improve environmental compliance across Punjab
The budget also includes plans to construct and expand 11 modern environmental laboratories across the province. A total of Rs4.8 billion has been allocated for the establishment and upgradation of laboratory facilities to improve environmental testing and analysis.
For Lahore, the government has allocated Rs4.54 billion under the Lahore Air Improvement Framework, a programme aimed at reducing air pollution and improving air quality in the provincial capital.
Major environmental projects
In addition, Punjab plans to install 30 anti-smog guns as part of its efforts to combat seasonal smog. The project has been allocated Rs4.74 billion and will support pollution control measures in major urban centres.
Lahore Air Improvement Framework
Dedicated allocation proposed to improve air quality in Punjab's capital city through pollution control, monitoring and mitigation measures.
Officials said the proposed allocations reflect the government's strategy to strengthen environmental governance, improve air and water quality, build climate resilience and address the growing challenge of smog across Punjab.