LHC orders strict checks on smoke-emitting police, heavy vehicles

LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a written order on petitions seeking measures to curb smog. The court has directed that all heavy vehicles, including smoke-emitting police vehicles, be thoroughly checked, and that the Environment Department submit a report on their fitness.

The written order states that updates on treatment plants in sugar mills must also be included in the report, and it should be clarified whether six sugar mills have completed the installation of water treatment plants. The court noted that WASA needs to issue notices for water charges under the relevant rules.

The order further states that no trees shall be cut during the ongoing construction work at Nasir Bagh. A total of 123 trees have been transplanted from Nasir Bagh. According to the PHA, the transplanted trees are safe and are being properly maintained. Each transplanted tree has been assigned a number, and the PHA has been directed to define a comprehensive policy regarding tree relocation.

The Judicial Member of the Water Commission informed the court that a meeting was held at the CTO office to propose a comprehensive traffic plan.

The CTO office will coordinate with representatives of the Lahore Transport Company.

The court has sought a detailed report from the EPA’s lawyer and adjourned the hearing until December 12.