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LAHORE, Nov 11 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday urged provincial authorities to take more immediate and effective measures to address the smog crisis.
Justice Shahid Karim passed the directions while hearing petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others challenging the ineffective actions taken to combat worsening air quality.
During the proceedings, a law officer presented a report detailing steps taken by provincial authorities.
He informed the court that officials had inspected several major bus terminals and checked 400 vehicles, 42 of which were unfit for the road. The court was told that deputy commissioners across the province had been directed to conduct further inspections; however, the secretary of transport did not issue additional instructions because Sunday was a non-working day.
Justice Karim criticized the lack of urgency, remarking, “Every minute is crucial. I was prepared to hold this case on Sunday if necessary.” He expressed frustration that no representatives from the transport department or the advocate general of Punjab were present, and directed a member of the Judicial Water and Environment Commission to inspect the Badami Bagh area for vehicle compliance.
“The transport department appears to have been asleep. Six months ago, we urged them to take preventive measures before the smog season,” the court stated, emphasizing that significant action had yet to be taken.
The court also criticized unchecked construction activities in Lahore, citing them as a major
contributor to air pollution. Despite orders to limit construction during the smog season, work continues unabated while schools have been closed due to hazardous air quality.
Highlighting crop residue burning as another contributing factor, the court questioned the lack of proactive measures, stating, “We have been asking for necessary steps for two years.”
The court further noted that smog levels were rising in Multan, largely due to deforestation. While authorities had recommended two work-from-home days to reduce pollution, no implementation had been observed.
Justice Karim also questioned whether the government had considered imposing heavier fines on unfit vehicles, suggesting that minor penalties were insufficient to deter violators.
Concluding the hearing, the court urged the administration to take swift, meaningful action, recommending that deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners across Punjab be tasked with conducting regular inspections. “The government should assign duties to all officials to leave their offices and directly address this critical issue,” the court emphasized.