The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered to ban Punjab University buses emitting smoke, adding to the already severe smog in the provincial capital.Hearing case regarding smog issue on Friday, the court ordered Environment Department to inspect Punjab University buses, take action and shut down the buses emitting smoke. Director General Environment's order to check and take action on big buses is welcomed, Justice Shahid Karim remarked. The court also ordered to maintain the original design of Nasir Bagh.

Justice Shahid Karim remarked that the government is also looking into environmental issues and the government meeting on the use of underground water was found to be a good thing. Building a parking plaza near the Neela Gumbad is a good move, Justice Shahid Karim remarked. Court remarked that parking issues are present throughout the city so parking lots should be built.Court ordered that Nasir Bagh is a historical heritage so it should not be damaged.

Member Commission submitted the court that he talked with Secretary Schools Education on the matter of school buses to pick and drop children. Member Commission said recommendations for amendments have not been sent to the provincial cabinet yet. Assistant Advocate General Hassan Ijaz Cheema submitted that government is working on the issue of buses while some schools have signed MoUs with private transport companies.

Justice Shahid Karaim remarked that if water meters are installed, the problem of water wastage will be solved.The court ordered that WASA should review the groundwater level and submit a report with checking whether the groundwater level is not decreasing. The court adjourned the hearing of the case till December 1 seeking a report regarding the trees of Nasir Bagh.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)