LHC seeks compliance reports on anti-smog measures

LAHORE:The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday sought implementation reports from the Environmental Protection Department, Agriculture Department, and other relevant institutions on petitions filed against ineffective measures to control smog and environmental pollution.

Justice Shahid Karim passed the orders while hearing a set of petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others.During the proceedings, Wasa’s senior counsel, Advocate Mian Irfan Akram, submitted a report outlining the authority’s plans for water meter installation.

He informed the court that the new water meters would initially be installed in upscale areas, with installation in other localities to follow. The court emphasised that the installation of water meters would increase public awareness about responsible water usage.

It observed that the installation of water meters would play a significant role in curbing water wastage. Wasa’s counsel further stated that a summary has been forwarded for the inclusion of 200,000 water meters in the upcoming annual budget, while 1,000 meters will be procured independently by Wasa using its own funds.

He further informed about plans to construct water storage tanks with a capacity of 24 million gallons to collect and utilize rainwater. ‘These tanks will not only serve to store rainwater for reuse but will also contribute to the replenishment of groundwater levels’, he submitted, adding that a separate summary had been sent to the chief minister for the establishment of water treatment plants.

At this stage, a provincial law officer informed the court that a meeting regarding the issue of crop residue burning has yet to take place. Expressing concern, the court directed that punitive actions-such as disconnecting electricity supplies-should be considered to deter farmers from burning crop residues.

The court stressed the importance of taking steps that would make the seriousness of the matter clear to the farming community. A member of the judicial commission also submitted a report on tanneries operating in Kasur. The report noted that the commissioner of Lahore has assured action against violators.

Moreover, a four-month extension was requested for the rehabilitation of wastewater treatment plants in the area.Subsequently, the court adjourned further hearing and instructed authorities to submit a detailed report at the next hearing regarding the inspection of heavy vehicles emitting smoke at toll plazas.