LAHORE, Jul 03 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on Friday that standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been introduced to protect trees and prevent their unnecessary pruning and cutting. Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions relating to smog control. During the proceedings, counsel for the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Barrister Maryam Hayat, submitted a compliance report on the court's earlier directions. She informed the court that the PHA …
Govt departments can’t prune or cut trees without PHA approval, LHC told
LAHORE, Jul 03 (APP):The Lahore High Court (LHC) was informed on Friday that standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been introduced to protect trees and prevent their unnecessary pruning and cutting.
Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions relating to smog control. During the proceedings, counsel for the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Barrister Maryam Hayat, submitted a compliance report on the court’s earlier directions.
She informed the court that the PHA had issued SOPs for the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) regarding the pruning and cutting of trees. Similar guidelines have also been provided to the Irrigation Department to ensure the protection of trees during canal and drain cleaning operations.
The court was further informed that, under the new mechanism, no government department would be allowed to prune or cut trees without obtaining prior approval from the PHA. The measures are aimed at safeguarding urban tree cover and preserving greenery to help combat environmental pollution, particularly smog.
Deputy Director Environment Ali Ejaz, the secretary and a member of the Environmental Commission, along with other relevant officials, were also present during the proceedings.
After reviewing the progress, the court directed the authorities to continue implementing environmental protection measures and complying with its earlier orders, and adjourned further hearing of the case until next week.
