LHC directs govt to curb environmental pollution in Punjab

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed Punjab’s government to take measures for curbing environmental pollution in the city.

Justice Jawad Hassan in a hearing, expressed strong objection over the increase in pollution and directed to take strict action against the factories involved in polluting the environment.

Justice Hassan during the hearing said that the rise in environmental pollution was alarming.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government submitted its reply that an action has been taken against 567 factories across the province.

Read more: Smog once again affects Lahore as AQI reaches 371

The Punjab government in its response also stated that effective measures were being implemented to curb the spread of pollution.

Earlier on 2nd November, the LHC conducted a hearing on the issue of increasing environmental pollution in Lahore.

During the hearing, it was notified that the burning of crops was the major reason for smog in Lahore.

In this regard, earlier on Wednesday, the Environment Protection Department (EPD) of the province ordered to ban brick kilns method, an old technology being used in Punjab.

Read also: Smog in New Delhi continues to choke city for 5th consecutive day

The cities in Punjab where kilns using old technology will not be allowed to operate for the next month are Lahore, Kasur, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Narowal, Sialkot, Sargodha, and Gujranwala.

The decision was taken as a preventive measure to curb smog that had affected northeastern parts of Punjab since the start of November.

On the other hand, smog continues as the rank of Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 371 on Thursday morning.

For the past 4 years, smog, rightly being called the fifth season of Lahore, has deprived the people of sunshine and dusk-hour charm as layers of toxic smoke engulf horizon from November to February. Government officials blame the smog on crops being burned in India.

Read also: Lahore schools to remain closed for two days due to smog

Lahore has been ranked as the second most polluted city in the world, which records air pollution levels across the globe. 

The smog is caused by a lack of rain and immense pollution. Smoke from vehicles, factories, and burning of the remains of crops could one of the major factors behind the dense smog.

Read also: Indian politician blames China and Pakistan for New Delhi’s smog