The Punjab government has drawn a line in the sand against vehicular pollution, announcing that all vehicles operating without environmental protection certificates and green stickers will face strict penalties starting November 15th.
What This Means for Vehicle Owners
In a decisive move to combat worsening air quality, the provincial environment department has issued a final warning to all vehicle owners across Punjab. The mandatory green sticker system, designed to identify vehicles meeting emission standards, will now be strictly enforced after repeated extensions and warnings.
"The grace period is over," declared a senior environment official. "We have given ample time for vehicle owners to comply with environmental regulations. Now, those found without valid certification will face legal consequences."
The Enforcement Mechanism
The crackdown will involve multiple layers of enforcement:
- Traffic police and environment department teams conducting joint operations
- Random checking of vehicles at major intersections and highways
- Special attention to commercial vehicles and public transport
- Digital verification systems to prevent counterfeit stickers
Why Green Stickers Matter
Environmental experts have long emphasized the critical role of vehicle emissions in Punjab's air pollution crisis, particularly during winter months when smog becomes a severe health hazard. The green sticker program represents a crucial component of the province's broader environmental protection strategy.
With major cities like Lahore consistently ranking among the world's most polluted urban centers, officials hope this strict enforcement will significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality for millions of residents.
Next Steps for Compliance
Vehicle owners who haven't yet obtained their environmental certificates are urged to visit authorized testing centers immediately. The certification process involves:
- Vehicle emission testing at approved centers
- Payment of prescribed fees
- Issuance of environmental protection certificate
- Placement of green sticker on windshield
Authorities have assured that sufficient testing facilities are available across the province to handle the expected rush of applications before the November 15th deadline.
