The Punjab government has decided to establish the Suthra Punjab Authority under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aimed at improving sanitation and waste management across the province.
The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Local Government has approved the Suthra Punjab Authority Bill 2025, paving the way for the creation of the new body.
According to the bill, the Suthra Punjab Authority will function as an autonomous corporate institution. The Chief Minister of Punjab will serve as its Chairperson, while the Provincial Minister for Local Government will act as Vice Chairperson. Secretaries of relevant departments and all divisional commissioners will be members of the authority.
The authority will be responsible for formulating policies, laws, standards, and regulations related to waste management. It will also oversee the construction of landfill sites and set operational frameworks for solid waste management services across Punjab.
At the district level, the Deputy Commissioner will serve as Chairperson of the Suthra Punjab District Authority. The district authority will have powers related to licensing, registration, and collection of fees, and will also be authorized to appoint waste management inspectors.
The bill further states that the authority will be responsible for improving sanitation and hygiene services in rural areas. It will also be empowered to fix service charges for the facilities it provides.
Under the proposed law, decisions taken by the Suthra Punjab Authority cannot be challenged directly in courts, a provision aimed at streamlining administrative processes.
Officials said the new authority is intended to bring uniformity, efficiency, and improved oversight to sanitation and waste management services across the province.
