LHC seeks suggestions from Govt to control rising smog

• Justice Shahid Karim observed that the provincial government seemed non-serious to curb smog.
• He regretted that the smog had been increasing instead of eliminating.
• Justice Karim directed the provincial government to seek support from the federal minister for climate change.

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) sought suggestions from the Punjab government to control the rising smog and hinted at ordering the closure of educational institutes for three days and working at home for two days.

The Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court observed that the provincial government seemed non-serious to curb smog. He regretted that the smog had been increasing instead of eliminating. The judge was hearing public interest petitions on several issues relating to the environment.

The judge directed the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to make rules to enhance punishment on the brick kilns and industries for violating the laws and policies. “A brick kiln or a factory should not be sealed but demolished on committing violations,” the judge recommended to the agency.

Justice Karim directed the provincial government to seek support from the federal minister for climate change. “Tell the federal government that the smog in Punjab has reached an alarming level,” the judge advised the provincial government. The judge observed that the authorities also needed to seek assistance from international experts on the environment.

The judge adjourned the hearing till next week and sought a compliance report from the provincial secretary for environment about penalties for the violators.

The judge directed the secretary to coordinate with the relevant ministries and come up with recommendations on closing schools for three days and working from home for two days a week.

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Justice Karim said the court would pass an order in light of the input from the ministries concerned. The judge observed that the smog had been causing health complications among the citizens.

The judge also sought a report on the amendment or improvement in the existing rules to deal with the industrial sector.