Punjab's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a skimming boat to address plastic waste in the Lahore Canal, marking a technological step against water pollution.The pilot project aims to collect floating plastic waste, with plans to expand to other canals and rivers.The initiative was announced during a seminar on Plastic Bag Free Day, attended by officials and environmental experts.Over 50,000 business owners pledged to avoid banned plastic bags, and enforcement teams confiscated 600,000kg of prohibited plastic.EPA Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh emphasized the need for practical measures and technology-driven monitoring systems.Challenges remain in rural and peri-urban areas, where plastic usage persists.The EPA also intensified enforcement actions in 2026, conducting inspections and imposing fines.

The seminar highlighted collective responsibility for a plastic-free Punjab, with calls for collaboration between government, industries, and citizens.