LHC raises alarm over non-native trees and vehicle emissions in Lahore

Lahore: The Lahore High Court, while hearing petitions related to smog, voiced concern over worsening environmental conditions and directed the authorities to adopt practical and effective steps to address the issue.

During the proceedings, Justice Shahid Karim observed that non-native tree species were damaging Lahore’s environment. He also stressed that emissions from vehicles remained the main contributor to air pollution in the city.

Several government departments submitted reports before the court. The Parks and Horticulture Authority placed on record rules concerning the transplantation of trees. The court then instructed the Judicial Water Commission to examine those rules and recommend any additions if needed.

The Judicial Water Commission also submitted a report about tree cutting at the University of Punjab. The commission had visited the university on the court’s directions, and trees had since been replanted at the location where they were previously cut.

Concerns over pollution and rising temperatures

Referring to a report from the University of Chicago, Justice Karim said global temperatures were expected to increase, resulting in higher mortality. He noted that one in three deaths worldwide was projected to occur in Pakistan, especially in Punjab. He described the report as

extremely alarming

The judge further noted that another international report had placed Pakistan among the world’s most polluted countries last year. He remarked that smog built up within a month and effectively wiped out the work done during the rest of the year.

We cannot ignore this situation

Justice Karim said during the hearing.

Court questions traffic stoppages during VIP movement

The court also pointed to traffic disruptions during VIP movement, saying vehicles were stopped for as long as an hour several times a day, which added to air pollution. The judge observed that vehicles were a major source of pollution and questioned the continuation of such practices.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the pace of official action, Justice Karim said the government had to respond seriously, adding that the court’s role was limited to drawing attention to the matter. He also remarked that environmental measures were often enforced only through compulsion because the authorities appeared unwilling to act on their own.

Orders on tree cutting

During the hearing, the commission informed the court that a private housing society had cut down 14 trees. In response, the judge ordered action against those responsible.

It also emerged before the court that the forest department had planned to cut 11,000 trees for road expansion. However, the Judicial Water Commission stopped the plan immediately, according to the proceedings shared in court.

The hearing focused on both the broader causes of smog and specific instances of tree cutting, with the court pressing departments to strengthen environmental protection measures in Lahore.