The Punjab government has initiated a new phase in urban cleanliness by directing waste management authorities to coordinate with Punjab Safe Cities Authority for live monitoring of sanitation operations in Lahore. The move aims to use the existing surveillance infrastructure to ensure timely identification and resolution of garbage collection issues, illegal dumping, and service non-compliance across the city.
Acting on a directive issued by the Secretary of Local Government, all city and district waste management companies, including Lahore Waste Management Company, have been asked to designate dedicated staff members to the PSCA control room. These representatives are responsible for viewing real-time video feeds from the surveillance network and immediately reporting unattended waste or any deviations from scheduled cleaning activities. This step formalizes the collaboration between PSCA and LWMC, building on their previous agreements to use digital tools for improving municipal enforcement.
The Safe City cameras, which are typically used for law enforcement and traffic control, have previously supported waste oversight during large-scale operations such as Eid al-Adha. During the recent Eid cleanup campaign, over 3.2 million biodegradable bags were distributed to facilitate safe animal waste disposal. The surveillance network played a vital role in monitoring designated areas like canals and public spaces to ensure they were free of litter and illegal dumping. The real-time footage helped enforcement teams respond quickly to sanitation lapses while also providing documentation for further accountability.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reviewed the Eid sanitation progress through live control room streams and emphasized that camera-enabled oversight should remain a part of all future cleanliness efforts. The integration of PSCA technology with routine municipal services reflects the province’s broader digital governance strategy. By utilizing a system initially designed for public safety, the government is extending its capabilities into environmental and civic management.
The Safe Cities project currently operates in 19 districts across Punjab and is on track to reach its target of 5,000 cameras by mid-2025. This network, originally established for surveillance and traffic regulation, has seen its role evolve to encompass urban service monitoring. With this latest step, the provincial administration aims to make public sanitation more transparent, accountable, and efficient through coordinated digital infrastructure.
By embedding dedicated waste management officers within PSCA’s control environment, the Punjab government is enabling faster detection and response to lapses in city cleanliness. This cross-agency coordination also encourages more data-driven municipal operations, ensuring that service delivery in Lahore keeps pace with modern urban expectations.
