LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday directed Lahore chief traffic police officer to prepare a road management plan to control smog and present before the court a short-term measures plan to maintain the flow of traffic in the city.
Justice Shahid Karim was hearing dozens of identical petitions for the control of rising smog. The court also ordered that a fine of Rs2,000 be imposed on those found wheeling.
During the course of the hearing, Justice Shahid Karim remarked that the situation regarding smog in Lahore was alarming but the environment minister instead of gauging its gravity had gone into self-denial by issuing absurd circulars.
“Steps need to be taken on a permanent basis to control smog, ” he added.
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The court directed Punjab government’s lawyer to form a committee on the issue and look into the matter.
Justice Karim also directed Lahore Mayor Col (retd) Mubashar to appear in person before the court to apprise it with the measures the local government could take to curb smog.
The court regretted that Jail Road had been made a signal free road without taking into account citizens’ problems as now crossing roads has become an uphill task for them.
The court expressed concern over the likely transfer of the CTO and remarked that orders would also be issued to stop his transfer.
Earlier, Lahore CTO Montazer Mehdi told the court that 93 letters had been written to authorities concerned for removal of encroachments but no progress had been made. Mehdi said that smog was a bigger issue than dengue and coronavirus. Strict laws need to be made in the future.
Read more: LHC pulls up govt officials over rising smog, pollution
The court adjourned the hearing till November 23.
In a related case, the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued notice to the Punjab government on a petition seeking a two-week lockdown in smog-affected areas.
Justice Shahid Karim issued this order on a petition filed by Advocate Aftab Virk.
The petitioner pointed out that Lahore currently ranked second in the world in terms of pollution.
Due to the increase in smog, citizens are suffering from other diseases including sore throat, eye and respiratory diseases.
The petitioner stated that the main reason for the increase in pollution is smoke from industries and vehicles. The petitioner suggested that a two-week lockdown be imposed in the smog-affected areas which could help clear the air of pollution.
The court will resume hearing on November 23.
