Hearing smog case, LHC orders action against lazy officials
Lahore High Court expressed displeasure over the performance of various government departments on increasing pollution and smog situation in the city and has directed action against those responsible for causing pollution.During the hearing of case regarding smog issue on Friday, Justice Shahid Karim remarked that the air quality index is continuously high due to vehicles emitting smoke.
Court remarked that due to vehicles coming from Karachi, smoke and pollution on GT Road is increasing significantly and vehicles are still seen emitting smoke very badly on the roads. Anti-smog guns are not useful unless the vehicles emitting smoke are stopped, court remarked. During the hearing, PHA Legal Advisor Barrister Haris Azmat said that he has told PHA that if a single tree is cut, he will resign. Justice Shahid Karim remarked that only such measures will improve the situation.
Justice Shahid Karim sought a report from WASA on the progress of installation of water meters, lack of restrictions on working hours in commercial areas of Johor Town and the latest situation of the Mewaki forests at the next hearing.Assistant Advocate General Hassan Ijaz Cheema, Deputy Attorney General Asad Ali Bajwa, Deputy Director Environment Ali Ijaz, representatives of the Punjab government, LDA, PHA, WASA and other departments also appeared. The court adjourned the hearing till November 28.
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)
