LAHORE: Citizens across Punjab can earn financial rewards for carrying out environmentally friendly activities under the provincial government’s Green Credit Programme, with plastic recycling among the activities offering incentives of up to Rs10,000.
Figures available on the programme’s official dashboard show that more than 1.44 million people have registered for the Chief Minister Punjab Green Credit Programme during its first 14 months. The initiative has now expanded to 41 districts of the province.
Registrations rose by 18% over the past week, with the programme attracting an average of around 476 new participants each day.
The scheme rewards citizens for a variety of activities aimed at improving environmental conditions. These include recycling plastic bottles, planting trees, cycling, using electric bikes and scooters, reporting vehicles emitting excessive smoke and adopting measures for rainwater conservation.
Up to Rs10,000 for plastic recycling
Under the programme, participants can receive up to Rs2,500 for collecting one kilogramme of empty plastic bottles. The incentive is available for a maximum of four kilogrammes, allowing a participant to earn as much as Rs10,000 through plastic bottle recycling.
Two registered vendors in Lahore are currently facilitating the collection and purchase of plastic and empty bottles before they are sent for recycling.
The programme also offers credits to eligible citizens who purchase and use electric bikes or scooters, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Other activities eligible for green credits include reporting smoke-emitting vehicles, identifying industrial units operating without zigzag technology, conserving rainwater, constructing recharge wells, cycling and planting 10 trees.
Rs36.5m paid to participants
The programme currently covers around 38 environment-friendly activities, according to available information.
Participants have so far received approximately Rs36.5 million in financial rewards, including around Rs16.5 million during the past three months.
The initiative has also recorded participation from women. Official figures show that 124,292 men and 18,149 women have registered under the programme.
Officials say the initiative is intended to move beyond simply increasing registrations and encourage citizens to take practical steps to improve the environment.
Activities submitted by participants are monitored and verified before credits are approved.
The programme operates on a reward-based model under which citizens carry out an eligible environmental activity, submit it for verification through the monitoring system and receive financial compensation once the activity is approved.
