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       LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has directed the federal and provincial departments in Punjab to have their vehicles inspected within the next 15 days for their fitness, otherwise these will be impounded by the transport department.

       During the last week hearing of smog-related cases, an additional advocate general presented a letter in the court, asking various departments of the federal as well as provincial governments that they need to have their vehicles inspected to ensure the fitness of these vehicles in the backdrop of excessive smog in Punjab, especially Lahore.

       Justice Shahid Karim directed that these departments shall have their vehicles inspected at inspection stations established by the Punjab government within next 15 days, otherwise the transport department shall visit the locations where these vehicles are parked and impound them.

       “This will be deemed a direction by this court and will be complied with in letter and spirit,” the judge said in his written order of Nov 29 hearing.

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       PHA cites WHO report that finds Lahore deficient in tree cover by 71.2pc

       A report filed by a counsel for the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) about “Lahore Green Restoration” also refers to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for the city’s tree cover.

       According to the WHO report, Lahore falls short of the tree cover required by wide margin which is 71.2 per cent.

       It reveals that a project titled “Lungs of Lahore” is being initiated, but would require the patronage of the provincial government.

       The additional advocate general also filed a report, saying a notification has been issued on Nov 23 relating to the constitution of a committee, with terms of reference to examine the existing laws which govern various aspects of smog mitigation actions, with a particular focus on transport-related emissions, and recommend necessary amendments.

       Justice Karim directed that the committee shall have a timeline within which the task will be completed.

       He added it would be expedient that the task ought to be completed no later than one month from the date of the constitution of the committee as the issue is of compelling nature.

       The report also includes a letter by the director general of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), citing a recent scientific analysis mentioning a substantial reduction in PM2.5 emissions from the industrial sector over the past eight months.

       “Indeed the progress has been attained as a result of a concerted effort by all the departments and in particular EPA,” the judge noted, lauding the departments’ anti-smog measures.

       The law officer also placed on the record an agreement reached with Kasur Tanneries Waste Management Agency.

       The judge directed the Lahore commissioner to have an overall responsibility of ensuring the compliance of this agreement as this is a matter which affects a large number of people and ought to be settled once and for all.

       The judge will resume the hearing on Tuesday (today).

       Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024