LHC bans tree felling at schools, colleges
PHOTO: FILE
Lahore High Court’s Justice Shahid Karim banned tree cutting in educational institutions observing that the cases pertaining to the same complaints be sent to the Anti-Corruption.
The court was hearing different petitions about how smog could be controlled, society could be made pollution-free and groundwater could be protected from wastage.
As the proceedings commenced, the environmental commission’s report was submitted wherein the court was ensured that all appropriate measures are being taken to control smog.
On a point the court was told that in collaboration of other departments all possible steps are also being taken against encroachments as well as to maintain the flow of traffic.
Upon the request made by Advocate General Punjab (AGP) Shan Gull to grant them permission of transfers of DG LDA, DG PHA, and CTO Lahore, the court accepting the request allowed transfers of DG PHA and Lahore CTO. However, the court retrained the government from transferring DG LDA and secretary specialised health intimated the AGP Shan Gull that the government be conveyed the court’s clear order.
During proceedings the court questioned why the government wanted transfer of the DG LDA, he knows from where the pressure is being built, Justice Karim remarked.
The court made clear that the government should produce the material before the court whatever it claims to have. However, Justice Karim made clear that this is the court’s order and the government should avoid intervening into the court’s matters. Justice Karim also directed the concerned quarters to display the emergency helpline numbers for prompt response if someone complaints about traffic jam.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 23rd, 2023.