Car Washes & Hose Pipes Banned: Punjab Imposes Heavy Fines for Water Wastage–Notification Issued

Punjab Government Implements Strict Water Conservation Measures to Combat Water Scarcity:

The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a strict notification in compliance with the Lahore High Court’s orders to tackle the worsening water crisis in the province. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Punjab has faced 42% below-normal rainfall from September 2024 to January 2025, highlighting the urgency of water conservation.

To address this issue, the Punjab EPA has announced immediate restrictions on water usage, particularly targeting car wash stations, household water consumption, and construction activities. The notification strictly prohibits the use of hose pipes for car washing, flood irrigation of lawns, and the use of groundwater for construction. Additionally, all car wash stations must install wastewater recycling systems by February 28, 2025, failing which, petrol pumps will face a fine of Rs. 100,000 and possible sealing.

Furthermore, a public awareness campaign has been initiated under the direction of the Chief Secretary, Punjab, to educate citizens about water conservation. Non-compliance with these regulations will result in heavy fines, including a Rs. 10,000 penalty for individuals violating the ban on car washing. Please find the official notification below:

No. 217/PA/DG/EPA/2025
GOVERNMENT OF THE PUNJAB
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONAL AGENCY
NATIONAL HOCKEY STADIUM, FEROZEPUR ROAD, LAHORE
Dated: 12.02.2025

ORDER

ORDERS U/S 6(1)(t) OF THE PUNJAB ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1997 FOR ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH THE HONORABLE LAHORE HIGH COURT’S ORDERS REGARDING STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS RELATED TO WATER CONSERVATION IN THE PUNJABUPDATION OF DENGUE HOTSPOTS ON DASHBORD

                              WHEREAS, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has highlighted that Punjab province has experienced 42% below normal rainfall from 1^st September 2024 to 15^th January 2025;

2.                           AND WHEREAS, the Honorable Lahore High Court has issued multiple orders to take strict measures to conserve water by restricting its non-essential usage, including car wash / service stations, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations related to water conservation. During a recent hearing in WP No. 227807/2018 (Haroon Farooq Vs GoP), while stressing the water conservation practice, the honorable Lahore High Court Lahore passed an Order dated 07.02.2025 that “… It is directed that the entire process will be overseen by EPA. This will include a concerted effort to inspect petrol pumps regarding operation of recycling plants. In case the petrol pumps are found to be lacking in their obligations in this regard, they shall be sealed with no more than one warming. Thereafter, a fine of Rs. 100,000/- shall be imposed on the defaulting petrol pumps. Simultaneously, wide campaign shall be initiated and this shall be directed to be undertaken by the Chief Secretary, Punjab informing general public regarding water conservation as also that the Government had taken a decision imposing of complete ban on the use of water for washing of cars and use of hose pipes in the houses. Anyone found in violation of these directions will be imposed a fine of Rs.10,000/ -.

3.                           AND WHEREAS, Section 6(1)(r) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997 mandates specifying safeguards for the prevention of accidents and disasters which may cause pollution, collaborate with the concerned person in the preparation of contingency plans for control of such accidents and disasters, and co-ordinate

implementation of such plans;

4.                           AND WHEREAS, Section 6(1)(t) of The Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997 empowers the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab to take all necessary measures for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the environment, prevention and control of pollution, and promotion of sustainable development;

5.                           NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dr. Imran Hamid Sheikh (PAS), Director General, Environmental Protection Agency, Punjab, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and order issued by Lahore High Court in WP No. 227807/2018 (Haroon Farooq Vs GoPb) dated 07-02- 2025 do hereby order the following restrictions and measures for water conservation in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab:

1. Immediate closure of all illegal / unapproved Car Wash / Service Stations
2. Mandatory installation of carwash wastewater recycling system and U-Channels at all Car wash Stations by 28^th February, 2025. In case the petrol pumps are found to be lacking in their obligations in this regard, fine of Rs. 100,000/- shall be imposed on the defaulting petrol pumps, in addition to sealing of car wash area;
3. Ban on use of oil washing of vehicles;
4. Ban on the use of water for washing of cars and use of hose pipes in the houses. Anyone found in violation of these directions will be imposed a fine of Rs.10,000/ -;
5. Ban on flood irrigation of lawns, gardens, golf courses and green belts;
6. Ban on use of groundwater in construction activities. Only surface water / recycled water can be used.

6.                           This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until modified or withdrawn.

7.                           Any violation of this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), in addition to fines mentioned above.

Issued under my hand and seal on this 13 day of February, 2025.ce again directed to request you to coordinate with health department team to ensure the updating of hotspots on dengue dashboard before last date i.e. 31^st January, 2025. Furthermore, disseminate the above said directions to dengue focal persons and all heads of schools for strict compliance in true letter and spirit. In this regard, no laxity will be tolerated and action will be taken accordingly.

DR. IMRAN HAMID SHEIKH (PAS)
DIRECTOR GENERAL
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONAL AGENCY PUNJAB

Why Water Conservation is Now a Legal Requirement in Punjab – What You Need to Know:

Water is a precious resource, and with Punjab facing a severe decline in rainfall, the government has no choice but to implement stricter regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab, under the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997, has taken strong action to prevent water wastage in response to the Lahore High Court’s directives.

These new measures aim to curb unnecessary water usage, particularly in commercial and domestic activities. The mandatory installation of carwash wastewater recycling systems will significantly reduce water wastage in service stations, while the ban on using hose pipes for car washing ensures responsible water consumption at home.

By implementing strict penalties for violators, the Punjab government is sending a strong message: water conservation is no longer optional, it’s a necessity. These regulations will help preserve Punjab’s water resources for future generations and promote sustainable development across the province.

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