LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered to seal factories causing air pollution. Single bench of LHC led by Justice Shahid Karim took up petition filed by a citizen Farooq Haroon for hearing. Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa also appeared in court.

Court while ordering to seal factories causing air pollution remarked factories which are emitting black smoke be sealed. These will not be de-sealed unless owners of these factories submit affidavit. They should give this affidavit that if violation is committed again then factories will be demolished. Commissioner Lahore told court action will be taken indiscriminately against vehicles emitting smoke. We have directed traffic Police, vehicles causing smog be impounded.

Court remarked during hearing of case now we are going on right track. PDMA is sleeping. We awaken it. Take picture of vehicle which causes smog. We will have to take major steps from beginning in next year. These two months are important.

Commissioner Lahore informed court we have taken several steps to promote cycling trend. We have talked to TEPA to prepare track for cycling. We will endeavour that cyclists are provided food at discount in hotels.

Justice Shahid Karim remarked, "Include private sector therein. We can restart cycling within these five or six months.

Commissioner Lahore said we will now give advertisement in newspapers that cutting tree is crime. Court adjourned hearing of petition related to eradication of smog till November 7.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 04 2023

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