The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) is making significant strides in advancing environmental sustainability by converting the Mehmood Booti dumpsite into Pakistan’s first carbon credit project.
Covering 43 acres, the landfill has accumulated 13 million tons of waste since 1997, resulting in severe pollution and high levels of methane emissions. This transformative initiative aims to not only mitigate environmental hazards but also integrate the site into Pakistan’s green economy.
With a substantial investment of PKR 5 billion, RUDA plans to rehabilitate the site by capturing methane emissions and converting them into usable energy, reducing carbon output by one million tons over 15 years. This reduction is equivalent to removing 22,000 cars from the road annually.
Aligned with global carbon credit mechanisms, the project is set to generate 100,000 tons of carbon credits each year, contributing approximately PKR 2 billion in annual revenue. The site will also be repurposed into an urban forest and solar park, supporting biodiversity and promoting clean energy.
Ms. Ahad Yousaf Khan, Director of Environment and Climate Change at RUDA, emphasized the importance of the project, calling it a groundbreaking initiative for Pakistan’s climate strategy. “By reducing emissions through carbon credit mechanisms, we are turning waste into economic and environmental treasure,” she stated.
RUDA remains committed to pioneering sustainable urban solutions that adhere to global best practices. This initiative represents a milestone in reshaping urban landscapes and setting a new standard for sustainable development in Pakistan.
Under the leadership of RUDA CEO Imran Amin, the organization is taking decisive steps to transform the land into a productive urban asset. The PKR 5 billion allocation reflects RUDA’s dedication to sustainable urban transformation, ensuring that Lahore’s development aligns with global climate goals and fosters long-term economic resilience.
