LHC extends stay on Sheranwala, Taxali Gate Projects

LAHORE, Apr 16 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday extended its stay order on the Shairanwala Gate and Taxali Gate development project.

The court also expressed strong displeasure over the traffic police for unnecessarily stopping and harassing citizens, terming the practice illegal, and summoned a senior officer to appear at the next hearing.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the orders while hearing petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others on smog mitigation.

During proceedings, the court observed that stopping citizens without any violation disrupts traffic flow, increases the risk of accidents, and amounts to curtailing civil liberties. He noted that traffic police often fail to apprehend actual violators, while unnecessary checks lead to traffic congestion and increased emissions.

A report on underground water levels submitted by the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) revealed a marginal decline. WASA’s counsel, Mian Irfan Akram, informed the court that due to compliance with judicial directives, groundwater levels dropped by only about one centimetre over the past year. He added that 10,000 water meters are being installed from WASA’s own budget in line with court orders.

The court stressed the need for further measures to improve groundwater levels. Meanwhile, a report by the Environmental Commission highlighted that out of 11,000 trees affected by a road project in Noorpur Khushab, around 8,000 were preserved after redesigning the project. The court directed authorities to present the Forest Department’s NOC, warning of action in case of irregularities.

On the issue of industrial emissions, the commission informed the court that a special team inspected brick kilns in Sheikhupura following complaints of black smoke, but no violations were found. Deputy Director Environment Ali Ejaz stated that kilns emitting smoke are fined even if they operate on zig-zag technology. The court directed the Environment Department to ensure strict monitoring ahead of the smog season.

The court further instructed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to implement tree transplantation laws across Punjab. It also emphasised adopting a scientific approach to revenue generation and hiring qualified consultants to improve institutional performance.

Representatives of the Punjab government, Environmental Commission, LDA, and PHA appeared before the court. The hearing was adjourned until April 23.