In a move aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability of urban sanitation services, the Punjab government is preparing to roll out a monthly cleanliness fee as part of its ongoing “Suthra Punjab” campaign. The fee structure will apply to households and businesses across the province and is expected to be implemented in phases starting in the coming months.
According to officials familiar with the plan, residential units in major cities will face tiered charges based on property size:
- Rs300 per month for 5-marla homes
- Rs500 for 10-marla homes
- Rs1,000 for one-kanal houses and above
Commercial establishments will also be charged, with fees ranging from Rs500 to Rs3,000 depending on the type and scale of business operations.
Rural Areas to Join Later
In a conversation with Dawn, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) Managing Director Babar Sahib Din explained that rural households will be brought into the fold in a later phase, where a lower monthly fee of Rs200 has been suggested. “We’re aiming to make the Suthra Punjab initiative financially sustainable. Without contributions from the public, long-term maintenance becomes extremely difficult,” he said.
Phase one of the programme will cover larger residential and business areas in urban centres, with smaller towns and rural regions to follow.
The Suthra Punjab campaign, launched earlier this year, includes sweeping cleanliness drives and waste management improvements across Punjab, including rural districts.
Crackdown on Unregistered Businesses: PRA Sets Sept 15 Deadline
Meanwhile, the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) is turning up the heat on businesses evading registration. Special inspection teams have been deployed to monitor tax compliance at hotels, restaurants, and wedding venues across the province.
PRA Chairman Moazzam Iqbal Sipra confirmed that notices have already been served to unregistered operators. “These businesses have until September 15 to register with the PRA and install the Electronic Invoice Monitoring System (EIMS). Failure to comply will result in enforcement action, including sealing of premises,” Sipra warned.
The push is part of a broader campaign to widen the tax net and ensure fair revenue collection from the services sector.
Progress Review: Ravi City Project Eyes Integration with Lahore Transit
In a separate high-level meeting, government officials reviewed the ongoing Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project, a massive urban expansion initiative aimed at decongesting Lahore and creating new economic zones.
During the session, chaired by the Secretary for Housing, the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) provided a comprehensive update on road infrastructure, transport integration, and land development progress.
RUDA’s CEO emphasized that Ravi City’s master plan is being aligned with Lahore’s existing and future transit systems. “We’re not just building a city — we’re building a connected, sustainable future. Basic amenities will also be extended to nearby rural populations,” he said.
The project is viewed as a long-term solution to Lahore’s urban sprawl, while also offering new commercial opportunities and residential options for an expanding population.
