LAHORE:

Hearing petitions regarding smog, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has expressed concern over environmental degradation and directed authorities to take concrete and effective measures.

LHC Justice Shahid Karim remarked during the hearing that non-native tree species were causing significant harm to Lahore’s environment, while emphasising that vehicular emissions remained the leading source of air pollution.

Various government departments submitted their reports before the court.

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) presented rules regarding tree transplantation, which the court directed the Judicial Water Commission to review and suggest additions if required.

The commission also submitted a report regarding tree cutting at University of Punjab.

It had visited the university on court orders, where trees had now been replanted at the site from where they had been cut.

Citing a report from the University of Chicago, Justice Karim observed that global temperatures are expected to rise, leading to increased mortality, with one in three deaths worldwide projected to occur in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. He termed the report “extremely alarming” and noted that another global report had ranked Pakistan among the most polluted countries last year.

The judge also pointed out that smog accumulated within a month, undoing efforts made throughout the year.

“We cannot ignore this situation,” he remarked.

The court highlighted that vehicles were a major source of pollution and questioned frequent traffic stoppages during VIP movements, stating that vehicles were halted for up to an hour multiple times a day, worsening air quality.

Expressing dissatisfaction, Justice Karim said the government must take serious action, adding that the court could only highlight the issue. He remarked that environmental measures were often implemented forcibly, as authorities appeared reluctant to act.

The commission informed the court that a private housing society had cut down 14 trees, upon which the judge ordered action against those responsible.

It was also revealed that the forest department had planned to cut 11,000 trees for road expansion but the Judicial Water Commission had halted the plan immediately.