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LAHORE, Jul 28 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday sought a detailed report from the Punjab government regarding the Yellow Train project in connection with a case on smog mitigation efforts.
The court directed the Advocate General Punjab to submit a comprehensive report on the Yellow Train project and ordered him to appear in person at the next hearing. The Director General of WASA was also summoned to personally provide updates on ongoing construction works.
Justice Shahid Karim heard multiple petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others against ineffective measures to control smog.
During proceedings, the court ordered the restoration of service roads along Jail Road, Mall Road, and MM Alam Road within one month. The Traffic Engineering & Planning Agency (TEPA) was instructed to complete repair work within the stipulated timeframe.
WASA’s legal representative claimed that the agency’s tasks had been completed and that road reconstruction now fell under the jurisdiction of TEPA and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA). However, a member of the Judicial Water and Environmental Commission contradicted the claim, stating that WASA’s work remained incomplete and was still in progress.
The court also directed the Environment Department to submit a plan addressing heavy traffic and motorcycle emissions.
The court questioned the effectiveness of the traffic monitoring force, asking what practical measures were being implemented.
Inquiries were also made regarding the usage of e-bikes distributed under the government’s initiative. The court asked whether the bikes were actually in use or simply parked at homes.
The Environment Department’s counsel responded that a policy was being finalized and would soon be shared with both the Commission and the court.
Commenting on public transport projects, the court expressed hope that the government would handle the Canal Road project with greater sensitivity. The court ordered WASA to complete all ongoing construction works by Friday, warning of legal action in case of non-compliance. The hearing was adjourned until August 1.