Flyover project grinds to a halt

LHC bars new projects until ongoing work is completed

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) halted work on the Akbar Chowk Flyover project pending further orders. The single bench comprising Justice Shahid Karim passed the orders on Friday, while hearing petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others for issuance of directions to control rising smog.

During the proceedings, the court observed that without completing ongoing projects, new projects would affect flow of traffic. The court observed that no new project would be started until the completion of the ongoing projects, or until the court was satisfied with the environmental impact of the project.

Representatives from the Water and Environment Commission and traffic police briefed the court about steps taken amidst Pakistan Super League matches in the city. The court sought details of the expenses for the matches, while ordering a meeting with the chief secretary.

The court also sought an explanation from the chief secretary and Planning and Development chairman over stopping funds for the procurement of new equipment to destroy crop residue.

The court adjourned hearing until March 7 and sought an implementation report. Earlier, Water and Environment Commission members submitted an implementation report about previous court orders.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2023.