The Punjab government has introduced a garbage collection tax across the province under the ‘Suthra Punjab’ initiative, approved by the provincial cabinet. The tax applies to both residential and commercial properties, with the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) tasked with collections in Lahore.

 

 

According to established rates, urban homes up to five marlas will be charged Rs300 a month, while rural homes of the same size will pay Rs200. Houses between five and 10 marlas will be taxed Rs500 in cities and Rs200 in villages.

 

 

For properties between 10 marlas and one kanal, the monthly tax is Rs1,000 in urban areas and Rs400 in rural areas. Residential units of 20 to 40 marlas will be charged Rs2,000 in cities and Rs400 in villages. Homes exceeding 40 marlas will pay Rs5,000 per month in urban areas, while rural homes above 20 marlas will continue to pay Rs400.

 

 

The tax also applies to commercial real estate. Small shops will be charged Rs500 in urban areas and Rs300 in rural areas. Medium-sized shops will pay Rs1,000 in cities and Rs700 in villages. Large businesses and industries will be taxed Rs3,000 in urban areas and Rs2,000 in rural areas.

 

 

The government has linked the new tax to efforts to improve waste management services across Punjab. Officials stated that by involving local bodies and the LWMC, collections will be streamlined, and the funds will support the cleanliness campaign.

 

 

The 'Suthra Punjab’ initiative, launched earlier this year, is part of a broader strategy to upgrade municipal services. The garbage tax is one of the first steps under this program, with more measures expected in the coming months.