LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday ordered the School Education Department to submit a report on how many buses the schools purchased this year.

Hearing public interest petitions on environmental issues, Justice Shahid Karim observed that the schools must permanently invest in purchasing buses. He said the schools may temporarily hire contractors for transportation services.

The judge directed the government that rules be framed requiring the schools to acquire buses every financial year and submit periodical reports on the number of buses purchased.

Raising concerns over profits being made by the schools, the judge noted that audit reports reveal substantial earnings by major schools.

Justice Karim pointed out that the court had seen the financial data of the schools during hearings on fee-related cases.

The judge also questioned the transport department regarding the status of its report and the progress on electric buses, instructing the department to submit details of its actions. The judge stressed the need for transitioning two and three wheelers to electric power.

Additionally, the judge showed concerns on reports suggesting that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) had encroached upon Racecourse Park to expand its office. He also expressed concern over the depletion of underground water and remarked that the Punjab government must formulate a concrete strategy to address the issue.

Justice Karim observed that water scarcity had become a critical issue.

He suggested that new buildings in the province should be equipped with water recycling units. He pointed out that until meters were installed, people would continue to waste water.

The judge said the chief minister should be given a briefing about the severity of the water shortage.

Justice Karim stated that major corporations must acknowledge their responsibilities and contribute to the city’s improvement. He suggested big companies take the initiative in urban development and enhance public parks, saying the government alone cannot handle everything.

Expressing concern over acquisition of 6,000 acres of forest department land by the Ravi Urban Development Authority (Ruda), the judge summoned a report on the matter by the judicial commission.

A member of the commission told the court that 192 acres only had been developed so far since 2022. The judge remarked that the land would be used for developing housing societies eventually.

The judge adjourned the hearing till Feb 7.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2025