LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday hinted at the possibility of implementing a two-day work-from-home policy and closure of schools twice a week to combat smog.

Justice Shahid Karim was hearing the public interest petitions regarding the smog and other environmental issues.

The judge expressed concern over the smog situation in Lahore especially and issued directions to the authorities suggesting re-implementing restrictions from last year if smog levels worsen, including suspension of all commercial activities on Sundays.

The judge ordered inspections of vehicles at bus terminals, with immediate shutdowns for those emitting smoke. The judge also called for a policy for alternative vehicles to replace motorcycle rickshaws by next year.

Justice Karim instructed a judicial commission to meet with the secretary of environment to make decisions on the matter.

Additionally, the judge ordered the installation of converters on generators in Lahore and praised the government’s measures, noting that they were largely based on previous court orders.

The judge also directed the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) to recycle water from mosque ablutions to wash streets.

Expressing concerns about the “green lockdown imposed by the government,” Justice Karim remarked that such a policy could merely shift pollution from one area to another.

The judge recalled that similar measures were taken last year, including two-day work-from-home, school closures on Fridays and Saturdays, revised market hours, and a complete halt to commercial activities on Sundays.

Earlier, the commission submitted a report on the implementation of the court orders, and the LDA’s counsel highlighted the issues of LED light thefts in Lahore’s underpasses. He said now the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) had been entrusted the responsibility to maintain the underpasses.

The judge ordered the commissioner of Lahore division to take action regarding the re-filtration plants for Kasur’s tanneries. The judge observed that the children in Kasur had been facing diseases due to polluted air.

The judge adjourned the further hearing until Nov 8.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2024