LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday stressed that the Punjab government should impose a ban on developing housing schemes on agricultural land and make installation of water-treatment plants mandatory for houses of 10 marlas or above.

Justice Shahid Karim heard various petitions related to environmental pollution, when Advocate General for Punjab (AGP) Khalid Ishaq presented a detailed report on measures being taken by the Punjab government to control smog in the province.

The AGP informed the court that electric buses would be introduced in Punjab by June next year.

He said that work was also under way on the Land Acquisition Act to protect agricultural land from being converted into housing schemes.

Justice Shahid Karim suggests devising long-term policy to combat smog

Mr Ishaq explained that the provincial government was working sincerely to combat smog, not only by implementing the measures but also through monitoring and improving them.

The judge observed that there was a need to devise a long-term policy to combat smog, recommending a plan spanning at least 10 years.

The judge recommended the government to plant trees known for preserving underground water on a large scale.

He instructed the authorities to examine the Beijing model for effective strategies against environmental woes.

The advocate general said that measures were being taken to address food security, flood management and the conservation of rainwater.

He informed the court about new machinery acquired to monitor emissions and initiatives aimed at addressing rising ground-level temperatures.

He said work on urban forestry was under way, and a report on the progress would be submitted by March.

Justice Karim directed the government to prioritise a long-term smog policy after the CM’s return from abroad.

The judge sought updated reports on implementation of the court’s orders at the next hearing.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024