Punjab launches largest-ever special Eid clean-up operation
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally monitors sanitation campaign across Punjab: More than 176,000 workers and 40,000 vehicles deployed for Eid operation: Special teams active in markets and streets to prevent improper waste disposal
Punjab has launched the largest special clean-up operation in the province’s history on the first day of Eid-ul-Adha, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally monitoring the province-wide campaign through a live reporting system, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
For the first time, a mechanism linking eight different departments and reporting sources has been made operational to provide real-time updates on sanitation activities during Eid.
On the instructions of the chief minister, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners were deployed in the field to supervise cleanliness arrangements and monitor disposal operations in urban and rural areas.
Special sanitation teams under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative were mobilised in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur and Sahiwal districts, where workers carried out cleaning operations in streets, neighbourhoods, mosques, Eid grounds, graveyards, markets and major roads from early morning.
Authorities said roads leading to mosques and Eid grounds were washed and cleaned, while lime marking was carried out in various areas as part of the sanitation arrangements.
Special monitoring teams were also deployed in markets and residential streets to prevent people from throwing animal waste and remains in public places. Officials warned that violators could face fines of up to Rs50,000.
Under the operational plan, streets and markets are being washed with disinfectants and treated with rose water to control odours and maintain hygiene during the Eid holidays.
The provincial government established “Suthra Punjab” camps in all 4,000 union councils across Punjab. More than 176,000 sanitation workers have been deployed for the Eid-ul-Azha cleanliness campaign, while an additional 8,000 workers were hired specifically for the operation.
More than 40,000 vehicles are taking part in the drive, and another 12,000 loader rickshaws have been hired to collect and transport animal waste. Authorities said two loader rickshaws were assigned to smaller union councils, three to medium-sized councils and four to larger union councils.
In addition, around 12.5 million environmentally friendly waste bags were distributed door to door to help residents safely dispose of sacrificial remains during Eid.