Lahore: Announcing its verdict on a case taken up regarding smog issues in the province, Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered that the smoke-emitting cars and factories be shut down, while the brick kilns not operating on zigzag technology will remain closed during the winter season, reported a news source. The court also directed the government to follow the proposals of Smog Commission, which it constituted back in December 2017.
Furthermore, legal action will be taken against factories set up in residential areas, while orders were also give against the practice of setting hay on fire. LHC Justice Ayesha A Malik also said that the proposals shared by the Smog Commission will be made part of the court’s verdict. The court further instructed that the reports presented before Supreme Court of Pakistan should also be implemented.
Rejecting the petition filed to lift the ban on brick kilns, Justice Ayesha asked the petitioner to contact the Environment Projection Department. Commenting on it, she said that kilns have been should down on orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan; kiln owners can lodge their appeals in the apex court.
Implementing the court’s order, Environment Protection Department sealed nine kilns in Sargodha on account of breaching the ban. Environment Director Sargodha Anjum Riaz said that the kilns not compatible with government SOPs should convert their businesses to zigzag technology.
He also mentioned that strict supervision of kilns all over the province is being carried out and those breaching the ban will be arrested immediately to face legal charges.
