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LAHORE, Jan 30 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of ongoing underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate while hearing petitions related to measures for controlling smog in the provincial capital.
Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others.
During the hearing, members of the Environmental Commission, Syed Kamal Haider and Mian Irfan Akram, informed the court that trees had been cut at Punjab University in violation of earlier court orders, which amounted to contempt of court. Taking serious notice of the violation, the court issued contempt notices to the Vice Chancellor and Registrar of Punjab University.
The court observed that the DG PHA should have taken suo motu notice of the tree cutting at Punjab University, but the role of the PHA was not visible. The court directed the DG PHA to hold meetings with the Vice Chancellors of all universities.
The members also informed the court that the construction of underground parking facilities were ongoing near Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate but there was no proper arrangements for transplantation of the trees.
At this, Justice Shahid Karim ordered a halt to the underground parking projects at Taxali Gate and Sheranwala Gate and summoned the Director General of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and the Advocate General Punjab for the next hearing.
At this stage, the petitioner’s counsel highlighted the cutting of trees in the surroundings of Data Darbar, stating that the unchecked removal of trees had damaged the environment. He also pointed out tragic incident resulting in the deaths of a mother and her young daughter after falling into a manhole.
The court expressed deep grief over the tragic incident. Terming the incident highly unfortunate, the court observed that negligence and lack of proper oversight had resulted in the loss of precious lives.
The court further ordered that the matter of tree cutting at Punjab University be referred to the Anti-Corruption Department. Directing the DG PHA to appear in person, the court adjourned the hearing until February 2.