Punjab expands Liquid Tree project to tackle urban pollution

The Punjab government on Sunday decided to expand the Liquid Tree project as part of its efforts to promote an eco-friendly province through modern scientific solutions.

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) runs the initiative. According to it, a liquid tree is “an innovative biotechnology solution that uses microalgae to absorb carbon dioxide and improve urban air quality in areas where traditional tree plantations are limited”.

According to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan’s first EPA-certified liquid tree will be shifted from Faisalabad to Lahore under the expansion plan.

She said more than 100 types of micro-algae have been collected from regions spanning Karachi to Khyber for the project.

In the initial phase, liquid trees will be installed in major shopping malls as well as indoor and outdoor public spaces to help reduce urban air pollution.

CM Maryam said the initiative represented a scientific and effective solution to combat rising levels of carbon dioxide and smog in urban centres, adding that it could play a significant role in improving environmental conditions.

She described the project as a key step towards environmental improvement, noting that artificial tree installations in commercial and public spaces would contribute to cleaner air.

Officials said the initiative reflects Punjab’s broader strategy of adopting technology-driven approaches to address environmental challenges.

As part of its efforts to eliminate environmentally hazardous operations, the EPA earlier this week demolished 36 fat-melting units across the province, sealed six and registered cases against their owners.

In April, the EPA accelerated its efforts to establish plastic-free zones in major city markets, announcing that plastic bags below 75 microns will be completely banned.

It has also announced a regulatory framework focusing on the establishment of green buffer zones around industrial areas, mandatory plantation drives and strict controls on tree cutting to reduce industrial pollution.