LAHORE: Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore is taking pioneering steps towards eco-friendly commuting as it will distribute electric bikes among its workforce today.
This initiative marks PHA as the first government body to adopt zero-emission vehicles in the battle against Lahore’s severe air pollution, which currently surpasses WHO-recommended levels by 15 to 17 times.
Director General Tahir Wattoo, leading a meeting focused on this initiative, stressed the necessity of enhancing Lahore’s air quality. He highlighted the efficacy of e-bikes, powered by lithium-ion batteries, as a cost-effective and environmentally sound solution in contrast to traditional transportation methods due to their zero noise and air pollution attributes.
The Electric Vehicles Policy of Pakistan 2020–2025 plays a pivotal role in the government’s strategy to boost local production of e-vehicles by offering incentives, aiming to secure a significant market share.
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Additionally, discussions encompassed various proposals and performance reports aimed at expanding Lahore’s greenery. PHA has been vigorously implementing city-wide plantation drives, introducing millions of plants across Lahore’s diverse neighbourhoods. Recently, it forged a partnership with an international business group to plant an additional million trees, reinforcing its commitment to enhance the city’s green cover.
“Urban air pollution continues to rise at an alarming rate, wreaking havoc on human health. It’s one of the biggest problems we are facing worldwide,” said Wattoo further.
