The Lahore High Court mandated the closure of private schools and colleges throughout the city on Saturday to tackle smog, urging the implementation of a two-day work-from-home policy.
The court emphasized the significant piles of waste in Lahore and its vicinity, proposing an event where schoolchildren participate in a litter-picking initiative, aligning with similar endeavors worldwide. This initiative, called Clean Lahore, was suggested to address the issue.
During the hearing of citizen Haroon Farooq’s petition and others regarding smog eradication, Justice Shahid Karim oversaw the proceedings. Government representatives appeared in compliance with the court’s directives.
Sahibzada Muzaffar Ali, acting as the Legal Advisor, presented a report on behalf of the Lahore Commissioner. The report highlighted incidents of crop residue burning in Nankana and Sheikhupura, leading to the suspension of officials in these areas.
Additionally, it was mentioned that a green corridor had been established from Istanbul Chowk to Mall Road in Lahore to promote cycling. Recommendations were forwarded to the interim Chief Minister to provide bicycles to Class IV employees of LDA, WASA, and PHA.
The court instructed the members of the Judicial Water Commission to schedule five meetings with the interim chief minister, commending the Commissioner of Lahore for their active involvement in addressing smog issues, particularly in comparison to other districts.
Representatives from PHA informed the court about the conversion of all PHA employees’ bikes into electric ones, prompting the court to highlight the potential benefits if such measures were implemented at a broader governmental level.
Queries directed at the LDA lawyer sought clarification on the completion timeline for ongoing development projects in Lahore. The LDA stated that 90 percent of the projects were finished and committed to presenting a comprehensive report during the subsequent hearing.
Ensuring the prevention of a recurrence of the smog situation from two weeks ago was underscored as a priority by the court. It acknowledged that smog was not solely Lahore’s problem but a concern encompassing the entire Punjab region.
The court scheduled a meeting between the Judicial Commission and the Chief Minister on November 17 or 18, adjourning the hearing to November 17.
Lastly, the court mandated a complete closure of schools and colleges on Saturday, alongside the enforcement of a work-from-home policy.
