LHC orders vehicle inspections

Govt cars not checked for pollution within 15 days to be impounded

LAHORE:

Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the Transport Department to impound vehicles belonging to government departments if they fail to undergo inspection at Vehicle Inspection and Certification System (VICS) stations within the next 15 days.

In a detailed order issued Monday, Justice Karim addressed multiple petitions concerning measures to combat smog, reduce pollution, and protect groundwater resources.

During previous proceedings, it was revealed that a notification was issued on November 23, forming a committee to review existing laws related to smog control, with a particular focus on emissions from the transport sector.

Justice Karim instructed the committee to complete its review and propose amendments within one month, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported significant progress in reducing PM2.5 emissions from the industrial sector over the past eight months, thanks to coordinated efforts across various departments.

Measures targeting industries, brick kilns, pyrolysis plants, and fugitive dust have also contributed to mitigating pollution levels.

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) presented its "Lahore Green Restoration" report, highlighting a severe shortfall in tree cover, which is 71.2% below World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The PHA proposed a project titled "Lungs of Lahore" to improve the city's green cover, but noted that it requires provincial government support to proceed.

Justice Karim emphasized the need for fitness checks of vehicles contributing to smog. He directed all government departments to ensure their vehicles are inspected at VICS stations. If they fail to comply within the given timeline, the Transport Department is authorized to locate and impound non-compliant vehicles. The court scheduled the next hearing for December 3, when further developments on smog mitigation efforts and compliance with vehicle inspections will be reviewed.

Meanwhile, the district administration has significantly increased inspections and enforcement measures across Lahore to effectively tackle the growing smog crisis. Over the past 24 hours, authorities took action at 115 locations where anti-smog Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were violated.

During this period, a total of 2,559 shops, markets, and shopping malls were inspected.

As a result of these inspections, 77 establishments were shut down for non-compliance, while 71 others were sealed for failing to meet regulatory standards.

Authorities also imposed fines totaling Rs78,000 against violators as part of the ongoing crackdown.

According to officials, the Assistant Commissioner for the City inspected 480 locations, sealing 12 establishments and imposing fines of Rs10,000.

In Cantt, 588 sites were checked, resulting in 4 violations being addressed. The Model Town Assistant Commissioner also inspected 588 locations, sealing 13 sites, issuing 8 warnings, and imposing Rs30,000 in fines. Additionally, the Raiwind AC inspected 20 establishments, resulting in Rs8,000 in fines for 4 violations, while the Shalamar team inspected 120 sites and fined Rs30,000 for 17 violations.

with additional input from app