RAWALPINDI: Punjab has banned new car wash stations, the Environment Department issued a notification for this ban.
According to the notification, breaking the ban will lead to action under the Pakistan Penal Code. The ban on building new car wash stations will start immediately.
The notification said this decision was made because of water shortage and possible drought in Punjab. Washing one car wastes 400 liters of water.
Environment Department officials said new service stations could make drought worse and cause environmental and social-economic problems.
Earlier reports had said that less rainfall in Punjab has raised concerns about water shortage. This led the Environment Department to issue strict orders.
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Due to the water shortage fears from less rainfall, the department’s notification also ordered the immediate closure of illegal or unapproved service stations in the province.
All car wash stations must install water recycling systems and U-channels by February 28, 2025. If they don’t, they will face a fine of 100,000 rupees, and the car wash area will be sealed. Oil washing of vehicles is completely banned.
The notification also bans washing cars at home and using hose pipes. Breaking this rule will result in a 10,000-rupee fine. Additionally, there is a ban on high water flow for lawns, gardens, golf courses, and green belts.
For construction work, using underground water is banned. Only surface or recycled water can be used. If this rule is broken, legal action will be taken under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (CPC).
