Environmental Protection Agency to expand operational focus beyond central Lahore, deploy officers in the city
An aerial photo shows people commuting along a street amid heavy smoggy conditions in Lahore. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The authorities have been asked to ensure that no smoke-emitting vehicles are seen on the roads of Lahore for the next two weeks.
The order came from the Lahore High Court, which prevents such vehicles from entering the city through the highway or any other route.
While hearing petitions related to environmental pollution, Justice Shahid Karim noted that emissions from vehicles plying between Lahore, Karachi and the interior of Sindh are contributing significantly to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality.
The judge emphasized that the Grand Trunk Road must not be ignored in enforcement efforts.
Read: Lahore breathes easy as smog eases
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been ordered by the court to expand its operational focus beyond central Lahore and to deploy officers at the city’s entry and exit points.
EPA has also been directed to submit its duties to the courts and ensure strict monitoring across routes.
If earlier court directives had been properly implemented, Justice Karim noted, the pollution situation would not have worsened to this extent.
The Water and Sanitation Authority issued a report during the proceedings stating that Phase 1 of its development works had been completed and funds for road restoration have already been transferred to the Lahore Development Authority (LDA).
Meanwhile, a lawyer pointed out that the air quality index even inside the courtroom had crossed 190, leading to the installation of air purifiers in the court itself.
The case was adjourned until Monday.
