LAHORE: The Punjab government on Thursday told the Lahore High Court that steps are being taken, including registration of criminal cases, against the farmers involved in burning of crops stubble.

During hearing of the petitions relating to environment issues, a law officer stated that 47 FIRs had so far been registered against individuals involved in burning of crops stubble. He said anti-smog towers would be installed in various cities, including Lahore, to detect smog.

He informed the court that a notification had already been issued declaring smog as a calamity under the Punjab National Calamities (Prevention & Relief) Act 1958.

The law officer contended that the commissioners had been delegated the task in all major cities of the province to curb smog, while the brick kiln industry would remain closed from November to mid December.

An official of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) told the court the industries with gaseous emissions and vehicles emitting excessive smoke on roads would not be allowed to run and the persons committing such violations would be prosecuted against.

Justice Shahid Karim directed the government to submit a report on Oct 29 showing progress in the actions taken to control smog and to improve the Air Quality Index. He acknowledged the government efforts for planting trees and declaring smog a calamity.

The petitioners contended that Lahore was becoming one of the most polluted cities in the world due to inefficiency of the authorities concerned. They said the provincial government should ensure implementation of the smog commission’s recommendations.

BAGS: Hearing another petition, Justice Shahid Karim directed the EPA to implement ban on the use of polythene bags by fruit vendors and small grocery stores.

The judge gave the EPA ten days for the ban enforcement and to submit a compliance report.

On a petition filed through Advocate Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi, the judge had already imposed a ban on the manufacturing and sale of the plastic bag across the province. Initially, the judge had ordered the agency to impose the ban on mega stores and bakeries.

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2020