LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday proceeding with some identical petitions against increase in smog directed strict action against smoke-emitting vehicles on the roads.
The Environment Department presented its report before the court, stating that vehicles will no longer be registered without obtaining certificates from the department.
The court, however, observed that the anti-smog gun is ineffective if smoke emissions continue at the current scale.
The court remarked that Bahawalpur had the highest recorded Air Quality Index, with heavy traffic being the major cause and directed authorities to intensify action against smoke-emitting vehicles on the roads, so the public feels compelled to follow the rules.
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) in its report on road-rehabilitation projects in Lahore stated that 62 such projects are currently in progress. WASA has yet to hand over 27 projects to LDA, while 35 have been completed and handed over.
The court expressed concern over excessive construction taking place in the city, declaring it a main source of contribution to pollution.
The court observed that numerous construction projects in Lahore, causing persistent dust pollution. The court said that anti-smog measures are of no use if dust keeps returning, stressing that this issue must be controlled and concerned departments must complete their tasks.
The court, however, termed the efforts to preserve historical heritage in the Neela Gumbad project a positive development.
The court also expressed dissatisfaction with WASA’s performance, stating that no substantial progress had been made regarding water meter installation and sought progress report about the meter installation on next hearing.
The Park and Horticulture Authority’s legal advisor submitted that the authority has not cut down a single tree without permission.
The LHC said that such measures are essential for improving conditions, emphasizing that a ban on tree-cutting is already in place.
The court sought a report on the Miyawaki forests planted in various areas including Johar Town.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025