The Lahore High Court has taken steps to address the critical issue of smog and pollution in Lahore, a city that has gained a notorious reputation for being one of the most polluted in the world due to smog.
Justice Shahid Karim has proposed a strategy to combat vehicle emissions, which includes a ban on vehicles emitting smoke. This is an unconventional recommendation, and he has gone further to suggest that government employees consider using bicycles for their daily commute as an eco-friendly alternative.
Moreover, the court has advised the government to allocate necessary funds to support organizations that are actively working to reduce smog. The Commissioner of Lahore has assured the court that warnings have been issued to factories and manufacturing units in Kasoor.
He has also pledged to conduct surprise inspections and provided updates on an ongoing awareness campaign that promotes tree planting. In addition, he informed the court about a ban on road excavation without proper permission.
The court has expressed dissatisfaction with the leniency of the Environment Department officers in imposing fines on non-compliant industries. In response, the court has emphasized the urgency of Deputy Commissioners and the police actively engaging in on-ground efforts to enforce environmental regulations.
Furthermore, the court has temporarily approved a construction project in Babu Sabu, indicating its awareness of development needs, while declining to change the Railway Golf Club Administrator, suggesting continuity in certain administrative matters.
Overall, the Lahore High Court is taking a comprehensive approach to address the severe issue of smog and pollution in Lahore, considering legal measures, government policies, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the problem and improve the city’s air quality.
