In a proactive response to Lahore’s worsening air quality, the Lahore High Court is considering implementing critical measures to address the city’s severe smog crisis. This plan could include school closures on Fridays and Saturdays, two designated work-from-home days for offices, and a Sunday halt on commercial activities to curb pollution levels effectively.
Justice Shahid Karim, in a recent session dedicated to environmental preservation, discussed the proposed anti-smog actions, advising the city’s environmental commission to take decisive steps. Emphasizing the success of similar measures in previous years, Justice Karim underscored the urgency of these solutions, given Lahore’s continuous battle with smog.
During the session, the court examined reports from multiple departments and stressed the importance of reducing pollution from high-emission vehicles, particularly heavy-duty buses. To combat emissions, the court has ordered stricter checks at vehicle terminals and insisted on rigorous enforcement of fitness standards on highways.
Justice Karim also questioned the efficacy of Lahore’s current “Green Lockdown” policy, suggesting that it may simply shift pollution to different areas rather than achieving real reductions. Instead, the court advocated for broader, more effective solutions to tackle the city’s air quality challenges.
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) also updated the court on ongoing maintenance efforts for underpasses, transferring responsibility to the Punjab Highway Authority to enhance infrastructure upkeep and prevent asset theft, such as LED lights.
As Lahore’s air quality continues to decline, these directives reflect an intensified effort by authorities to mitigate health risks and implement sustainable practices to address the pressing pollution issues.
