LAHORE: A Lahore High Court (LHC) bench held Punjab government responsible in its written verdict on a petition seeking implication of measures to control smog in Punjab.
Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah of LHC held Punjab government responsible for inaction against smog that crippled the normal life across the province.
The written verdict, which released today, read that the provincial government was fast asleep while the deadly smog causing fatal traffic accidents and other health issues.
It says the authorities concerned remained apathetic to take effective measures and indulged in analyzing data relating the smog instead.
The bench, in its judgment on the petition, called upon the authorities to ensure strict implementation of smog action plan, besides imposing emergency if air pollution level goes beyond 300 AQI (Air Quality Index).
The court ruling also called for launching websites for the public awareness with regard to the data about air quality and smog while incorporating the health and educational department in the smog action plan.
The written judgment has been issued on a petition filed by the members of Civil Society regarding implication of standard measures to combat.
‘Section 144 in Punjab’
Earlier, the provincial government has imposed ‘Section 144’ in the province till December 16 to bar farmers from burning leftover crops waste, which believed to be one of the prime contributors to the smog problem in Punjab.
Punjab has been badly struck with foggy weather condition in recent years in beginning days of winter in the region. The prevalent smog episode is similar to the one that struck the province last year, noted chief meteorologist Mohammad Riaz.
The smog is caused by a lack of rain and immense pollution. Smoke from vehicles, factories and burning of the remains of crops could be one of the major factors behind the dense smog in the province, Riaz said.
Analysts are of the opinion that a spell of heavy rains or strong winds could clear the hazy conditions in the province.
Abid Khan serves as Senior Court Reporter for ARY News. He is also a poet and a frequent blogger
