LAHORE: The Chief Executive Officer of Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC), Babar Sahib Din, stated that in order to tackle the challenges of waste management in urban areas, there is a need for digital reforms and modern technologies to effectively address these issues.
In an exclusive interview with Profit, Babar Sahib Din explained that waste management remains a significant challenge not only for Lahore but also for cities worldwide. To address this global problem and establish a comprehensive solid waste management system, he emphasized the necessity of adopting digital reforms. He stated, “The era of digitalization has commenced at LWMC, and the department is taking all the necessary steps to integrate modern technologies into an effective solid waste management system.”
He added that LWMC has taken significant steps towards establishing an integrated solid waste management system in Lahore. These initiatives include the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize waste collection routes, waste segregation through the introduction of a 3-bin system, digital monitoring of field operations, tracking of operational vehicles, implementation of a digital inventory system, creation of a green channel for composting, establishment of a central control room, and digitization of the revenue generation mechanism, among others.
The CEO mentioned that to further enhance these efforts, LWMC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Center for Urban Information, Technology, and Policy at LUMS University. This partnership aims to leverage AI for Fleet Route Optimization and Digitalization.
A pilot project was initiated in Gulberg Town, optimizing vehicle routes using AI in collaboration with LUMS University. This initiative resulted in reduced travel distances and a substantial monthly fuel saving of 150,000 to 200,000 litres.
He added that live monitoring of attendance has also been introduced to increase operational efficiency. Field staff now share their real-time locations and images with date and time stamps through an official group, leading to a remarkable 82-90% increase in attendance and the identification of over a thousand ghost employees.
“Furthermore, LWMC introduced an Android-based application named ‘Hot Spot,’ allowing live monitoring of waste containers and real-time clearance status. This application facilitates improved monitoring with before-and-after images of clearance, contributing to a cleaner Lahore. Innovative measures are being taken to enhance revenue streams”.
“LWMC aims to revamp its revenue by targeting Rs 1 billion annually, a significant increase from the current collection of Rs 40 million. This involves expanding the number of units being serviced, including commercial shops, offices, banks, workshops, fuel stations, private clinics, marriage halls, and industrial units. This diversified revenue approach is projected to support the ambitious financial goal,” he stated.
In addition to these efforts, LWMC’s collaboration with Harvard University, International Growth Centre, and Center for Economic Research in Pakistan for research, innovation, and digitization is a major milestone. This partnership is expected to empower research teams with access to data and waste collection centers, leading to reduced landfill waste through efficient segregation and recycling.
Babar Sahib Din concluded by explaining the importance of citizen engagement in maintaining a clean environment. He called upon citizens to support these modern reforms by adhering to waste management practices and using LWMC’s official helpline and social media platforms for waste-related complaints. With these comprehensive reforms, LWMC is poised to usher in a new era of waste management, transforming Lahore into a cleaner and more sustainable city.Â
