The Punjab government has launched a new Smart Cleaning initiative ahead of Eid-ul-Adha. The project aims to improve sanitation across the province using artificial intelligence.
The announcement was made by Maryam Nawaz Sharif during a high-level meeting on the “Suthra Punjab” project. She outlined a plan to modernize waste management and ensure timely disposal of sacrificial waste.
The Smart Cleaning system will monitor over 40,000 sanitation vehicles and 176,000 workers. A centralized digital framework will be used for supervision and coordination. Officials say this will improve transparency and efficiency.
Under the initiative, AI-equipped motorbikes will be deployed across Punjab. These bikes will have cameras to detect waste in real time. They will capture live images and help authorities monitor field operations continuously.
The government has also introduced strict enforcement measures. Fines will be imposed on individuals who dump waste outside designated points. The number of waste collection centers will be increased during Eid.
Special waste collection bags will also be distributed among citizens. Authorities aim to make waste disposal easier and more organized. More than 10,000 locations will undergo deep cleaning under the programme.
In addition, over 2,000 attendance points will be set up for sanitation workers. A mobile application will track attendance and verify staff presence. Field officers will monitor operations in each union council.
The chief minister directed officials to complete staff verification within a week. She warned of strict action against absentee workers and ghost employees. Salaries may be deducted if irregularities are found.
A central helpline, 1139, will operate around the clock. It will handle public complaints through an AI-based system. This feature is expected to improve response time and service quality.
The Smart Cleaning drive is part of a broader reform plan. The government aims to ensure equal sanitation standards in both urban and rural areas. Officials also plan to expand waste-to-value projects for better environmental management.
In other news read more about: Rs100 Petrol Subsidy for Motorcycle Owners Extended for One More Month
Authorities expect visible improvements in cleanliness during Eid-ul-Adha. The initiative highlights the use of technology to address public service challenges in Punjab.
