LHC tells authorities to ensure development projects do not harm environment

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has directed the authorities to give priority to environment-friendly development projects and make sure environmental protection is built into all future development schemes.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the directions while hearing a set of petitions moved by Haroon Farooq and others, who sought effective measures to tackle worsening smog in Punjab.

During the hearing, the court also called for a detailed report from the Environment Protection Department and the revenue authorities on compliance with environmental laws and the steps being taken to enforce them.

Expressing concern during the proceedings, Justice Karim said development work should not lead to unnecessary cutting of trees and stressed that alternative planning should be adopted to preserve green cover wherever possible. He further observed that environmental safeguards must be treated as an essential part of development planning and warned that violations of environmental laws would not be tolerated.