Punjab’s Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafiq, has said that the  province is fully prepared to ensure cleanliness and sanitation during Eid-ul-Azha, with detailed planning already underway.  Addressing the public, he said the sanitation strategy will be shared transparently and implemented rigorously.  Under the “Suthra Punjab” initiative, a vast network of machinery and manpower is now active across cities and villages.

Rafiq added that 180 sales points have been set up through the organization of free cattle markets, with the Shahpur Kanjran Model Market serving as a prime example.  Punjab chief minister inaugurated the model market, where both sanitation and security arrangements are notably efficient.  To assist citizens in proper disposal of animal waste, the government plans to distribute around 12 million waste bags.

These will be made available at union councils, special camps, and can also be requested through the 1139 helpline.  Over the three days of Eid, more than 380,000 tons of animal waste will be managed by approximately 180,000 sanitation workers. Over 36,000 vehicles will be deployed for waste collection, along with 292,000 brooms and handcarts. 

Rafiq emphasized that, like Eid-ul-Fitr, special cleaning efforts will also be carried out in graveyards and mosques. This time, 27,000 mosques across Punjab will be cleaned. In addition, 4,000 UC-level camps and primary waste collection points will be established.  Punjab will set up 1,684 collective sacrifice sites (ijtimai qurbangahs), and 816 waste disposal sites. To prevent foul odors, rosewater and phenyl sprays will be widely used.

In total, 30,563 liters of rosewater and more than 142,000 units of phenyl will be utilized across the province.  These efforts reflect the Punjab government’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness, public health, and efficient waste management during one of the year’s most challenging sanitation operations. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)