LHC calls for immediate action on water scarcity

Orders schools to purchase buses to combat smog

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday voiced serious concerns over the continuous decline in groundwater levels and stressed the need for immediate conservation measures.

Justice Shahid Karim made these remarks while hearing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others, challenging the ineffective measures to combat smog.

The court highlighted water scarcity as the most critical issue, emphasizing that until water meters were installed, unchecked wastage would continue. It also criticised the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for its inaction.

In response, PDMA representatives informed the court about their awareness campaigns through advertisements and television broadcasts. However, the court expressed displeasure, calling such efforts a waste of public funds.

It directed PDMA officials to meet with a member of the Judicial Water and Environment Commission and submit a detailed report on water conservation measures, with meeting minutes to be presented to the Punjab chief minister.

During the hearing, a commission member submitted a report on school buses.

The court acknowledged that while contractors could be temporarily hired, schools must eventually purchase their own buses. It instructed the authorities to establish rules requiring schools to acquire buses annually and submit reports on their purchases.

The Transport Department was also questioned about its report on e-buses and ordered to provide a detailed progress update. Additionally, the court observed that two-wheelers and three-wheelers should be converted to electric vehicles.

The court also addressed illegal encroachments, noting reports that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) had expanded its office into Racecourse Park.

A commission member further informed the court that a restaurant was illegally operating in Nasser Bagh despite a stay order prohibiting such establishments inside public parks.

Concerns were also raised regarding the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), which had been transferred 6,000 acres of land from the Forest Department.