LHC reprimands TMO Shalimar over cutting of trees

The Lahore High Court (LHC) here on Thursday strongly admonishing TMO Shalimar Town on the issue of cutting trees from a green belt in Shadbagh Scheme-II area allegedly to set up a food street directed him to submit his report by June 6 positively. "No one is willing to reveal real facts to the court. Authorities concerned think they are above the law."
The court made these remarks after the TMO's counsel said no food street is being set up in Shadbagh and improvement work is being carried out on the green belt. At this, the court got annoyed and observed," real facts are being concealed from the court as TMO is making contradictory statements. Government functionaries are paid salaries from taxes of common man, therefore, they are accountable to people."
The court warned TMO to apprise the court about real facts otherwise strict action would be taken against responsible officers and court would not hesitate to summon chief secretary. "Courts are meant for redress of people grievances and negligence on part of government functionaries would not be tolerated."
The court ordered TMO Khawar Jalil to submit an affidavit in the court stating that no food street is being established in said scheme and furnish documentary proof to substantiate his statement.
TMO rendered unconditional apology, the court, however, turned down his request for time being and asked him to submit affidavit and if it is found false strict action would be initiated against him. The law officer Shujaat Ali Khan told the court that Commissioner Lahore and DCO had summoned TMO but he did not turn up before any of them.
Petitioner's counsel Muhammad Azhar Siddique pointed out that huge amount of Rs 6 million is being spent on improvement of green belt. Upon this, TMO admitted that Rs 6 million has been allocated for project but the entire money has not been spent so far.The parks and horticulture authority (PHA) had already informed the court that it was not establishing any food street in the area by removing green belt or trees rather it promotes plantation and protects already existing trees. It said there were at least 400 trees in the subject area and the authority had no plan to cut even one of them or setting up food street.