LAHORE: On Friday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Punjab government to declare a smog emergency and convene a meeting to take precautionary measures before the extreme cold weather arrives.
As the month of October began, dense smog engulfed Lahore once more. The quality of air had worsened to dangerous levels. The city’s rising levels of air pollution have been labelled “hazardous” to human health.
Farooq, a Lahore resident, petitioned Justice Shahid Jamil. The petitioner claimed that the government was not taking any steps to control smog, which was causing health problems.
The court should direct the relevant authorities to take action to control and eliminate smog. He suggested that cars and industries that contribute to smog be prohibited.
The court stated that smog-eradication measures should be completed and that a team should be formed immediately to pursue those responsible.
The court also stated that the teams should be provided with vehicles. If this does not happen, the chief secretary’s office’s vehicles will be turned over to them.
The court ordered the province’s authorities to declare an emergency and to purchase air quality sensors within two weeks.
Following that, the court directed officials to submit an implementation report in the next proceeding and adjourned the hearing until October 14.
