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LAHORE, Nov 07 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed the Environment Department to take immediate action against smoke-emitting vehicles.
Justice Shahid Karim passed the directions while hearing petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others against ineffective measures to control smog. Deputy Director Environment Ali Ijaz, WASA DG Tayyab Fareed, and Assistant Advocate General Hasan Ijaz Cheema appeared before the court.
During the proceedings, the court remarked that environmental squads should be seen active on the roads rather than confined to their offices.
Expressing strong displeasure over the cutting of trees, the court ordered an immediate halt to ongoing construction work in Ghalib Market Park. The court questioned, “Why are trees being cut?” and directed the Water and Environment Commission’s member to inspect the site and submit a report.
The court also instructed the Director General of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to ensure implementation of court orders and present a compliance report at the next hearing.
At this stage, WASA DG Tayyab Fareed submitted timelines of ongoing city development projects.
The court directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to coordinate with WASA to expedite the completion of pending projects. “WASA has completed several projects; LDA should also complete its work without delay,” remarked Justice Shahid Karim. The court issued notices over LDA’s incomplete projects, granting seven days to finalize them, warning of fines in case of non-compliance.
The Environmental Commission informed the court that a 15-kanal park in Manawan had been handed over to the PHA. Justice Shahid Karim expressed regret, stating, “I personally saw trees being cut in broad daylight — it is extremely unfortunate.”
The commission further reported that encroachments had been established on 24 city parks. The court ordered the Environmental Commission to meet with the Deputy Commissioner Lahore and submit a detailed report.
Subsequently, the hearing was adjourned till November 10.