The Lahore High Court has issued a detailed written order on petitions seeking urgent remediation measures to control smog in the provincial capital.
The written order was issued following the previous hearing on petitions related to smog and environmental degradation in Lahore.
The court emphasized that unchecked vehicular emissions remain a major contributor to smog and require immediate, effective enforcement. It directed the environment department to take indiscriminate action against vehicles causing smog.
It clearly stated that enforcement must apply equally to government buses, including those operated by the police and educational institutions, leaving no room for exemptions.
Construction SOPs in housing societies
The Lahore High Court also ordered action regarding standard operating procedures (SOPs) at ongoing construction sites in housing societies. It noted that failure to follow environmental SOPs during construction is contributing to dust and air pollution across the city.
In its written order, the court directed that reports on the restoration of parks managed by the Parks and Horticulture Authority and the replanting of trees be presented at the next hearing.
These reports are expected to outline progress on green restoration efforts aimed at improving Lahore’s air quality.
Report on Nasir Bagh
The Lahore Development Authority submitted a report to the court regarding Nasir Bagh, according to the written order. The court was informed that the LDA has constituted a three-member committee in connection with the Nasir Bagh project.
As per the court order, the committee will interact with members and stakeholders associated with the Nasir Bagh project. After consultations, the committee will present its opinion and recommendations on the protection and future of Nasir Bagh.
The Lahore High Court directed the committee to submit its report on the protection of Nasir Bagh at the next hearing. The court stressed that safeguarding green spaces is a critical part of long-term smog mitigation.
Written order
The written order of the previous hearing was issued by Justice Shahid Karim, who has been consistently overseeing smog-related cases.
The matter will be taken up again after submission of the required reports by the concerned authorities.
