LHC directs Punjab govt to empower DC to confiscate polythene bags

LAHORE: To curb the use of polythene bags, Lahore High Court on Wednesday directed the Punjab government to empower the city’s deputy commissioner to confiscate such bags from retail and wholesale outlets.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the order after the judicial water and environmental commission submitted a report that the use of polythene bags has increased in the province in violation of the court’s earlier order.

The court also appreciated the Lahore deputy commissioner for taking immediate preventive measures on smog. It also directed deputy commissioners of Gujranwala. Faisalabad, Sargodha, Kasur and Sheikhupura to follow their Lahore-based colleague’s footsteps. The court observed that the measures adopted by deputy commissioner Lahore would go a long way in controlling smog.

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The court hoped that the Lahore DC as well as officers of other districts would take effective follow-up measures for the implementation of the court’s directions and file a compliance report.

The court also directed that at least two meetings per week shall be held by the focal persons of LDA and MCL in the office of the chief engineer LDA to coordinate measures taken for traffic management of Lahore.

LDA also informed the court that precast security barriers would be placed on an urgent basis on the road cuts falling within the LDA’s jurisdiction as this would not only enable better traffic management but also substantially help in reducing smog.

Lahore mayor also complained about the scarcity of funds for carrying out work related to road alignment, traffic management and removal of encroachment.

The court ordered that in case MCL lacked the necessary funds an application shall be filed in the court on which appropriate directions would be issued.

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The court further ordered that anti-encroachment activity undertaken by MCL should be pursued vigorously and without any discrimination or favouritism towards any particular group of persons.

The court also suggested that vendors who have temporary carts and other means of selling their goods could be provided with a permanent place on a rental basis so that they might not disperse all over the areas in Lahore which is a major cause of traffic congestion and choking.

Redressing the complaints of the LDA and MCL regarding the non-appointment of full-time magistrates is a serious impediment in dealing with the encroachments issue and imposition of fines. The court asked Lahore District and Sessions judge to issue necessary instructions for the appointment of full-time magistrates.

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The court also directed the Punjab government to ensure the implementation of notification regarding the closure of educational institutions and private offices for three days a week.

The court will resume hearing on December 1.