LHC Expresses Frustration Over Smog Management, Slams Key Officials

‘If projects like the RUDA and the CBD were abolished and the Ravi River was restored, pollution around Lahore could be reduced significantly.’

LHC Expresses Frustration Over Smog Management, Slams Key Officials

The Lahore High Court (LHC) expressed dissatisfaction with the Punjab government’s efforts to control smog in the city.

During a hearing on environmental issues, Justice Shahid Karim criticized the absence of key officials, including the chief secretary, the advocate general of Punjab, and a representative from the transport department. He pointed out that it was the responsibility of the advocate general to call a meeting and inform officials about the court’s previous instructions. 

The judge also questioned the management of the province, especially after learning that the chief secretary was in Geneva with the chief minister. Justice Karim expressed frustration that despite the court's order to ban construction for two months to reduce smog, this order had not been implemented.

The judge further noted that if projects like the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and the Central Business District (CBD) were abolished and the Ravi River was restored, pollution around Lahore could be reduced significantly. He also criticized the felling of trees for housing projects, saying the damage was now clear to everyone.

Regarding the situation in Multan, the judge remarked that if the cause of the smog in the city was still unclear, only God could help. He also pointed out that the two-day work-from-home policy had not been enforced, despite the court’s earlier ruling. 

Justice Karim emphasized the need for government officers to conduct street inspections to address the issue, criticizing the failure of the Dolphin Police to enforce environmental rules. He rejected a vague report from the Lahore commissioner and ordered a meeting between the advocate general and the commissioner to develop a clear policy.

The judge declared that smog was an emergency and should be treated as such. He also suggested that imposing higher fines on smoke-emitting vehicles—up to Rs100,000—could help improve the situation, noting that the current fines of Rs1,500 to Rs2,000 were ineffective.

The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday, with the court expecting further progress on the issue.