LHC ups the ante on environment
Despite the advisory by the government urging people to stay indoors, traffic appears to plying a road engulfed by smog. PHOTO: Abid Nawaz/EXPRESS
Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim has taken a stern stance on environmental issues, imposing fines on both commercial and residential consumers for their alleged reckless use of water.
The fines amount to Rs20,000 for commercial and Rs10,000 for residential consumers.
Justice Karim has directed a substantial fine of Rs1 million for factories still contributing to air pollution by emitting smoke.
The court emphasised that punitive measures were necessary to curb pollution and warns against spending public funds on artificial rain, insisting on concrete steps to address smog-related challenges.
In a bid to crack down on rule violators, the Environment director general presented a report detailing the re-sealing of previously de-sealed factories.
The court was assured that strict actions would be taken against officers found flouting rules or involved in the de-sealing of factories.
The court was informed that 36 cafés were sealed for operating beyond permitted hours. However, the LDA representative asserted that these cafés had obtained de-sealing orders from the Lahore High Court. Justice Karim has directed the submission of the specific Lahore High Court order by December 8 for legal clarity.
Allegations of bribery within the environment department surfaced during the proceedings. Justice Karim vowed to take strict action against officers involved in corruption.
Expressing displeasure, Justice Karim questioned the initiation of development projects during the smog season. He criticised the focus on artificial rain, emphasising the need for sincere efforts to eliminate smog.
Justice Karim had previously imposed fines for various environmental violations, including wrong parking, car washing at homes, and smoky vehicles. The court had also ordered the demolition of brick kilns contributing to pollution through smoke.
Urgent Call for Smog Emergency:
Read: Smog: the new unfortunate reality of Lahore
In earlier proceedings, Justice Karim had urged the Punjab government to declare a smog emergency, emphasizing the importance of taking preemptive measures to control smog before it reaches critical levels.
The Lahore High Court continued its efforts to address environmental challenges and promote responsible citizenship to safeguard the region's air and water resources.
Meanwhile, addressing an international conference organised by the Punjab University College of Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES), experts called for coordinated steps to protect the next generations from smog.
CEES Principal Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmad said smog was very harmful for the lungs of pregnant women and babies in the womb.
The experts stressed ecosystem security, smog eradication strategies, and agricultural and environmental protection.
Caretaker Minister of State for Tourism Sayed Wasi Shah highlighted climate change's impact on the environment, water resources, biodiversity and ecosystems.
Provincial Caretaker Minister for Higher Education Mansoor Qadir emphasised tackling smog issues through innovative solutions.
“The academia and industry should work together to overcome environmental challenges,” he added.
Delegates from Germany, Canada, Colombia, researchers, experts, faculty members and students attended the conference, which will continue till Wednesday.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 5th, 2023.