LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday instructed that water bills should be issued in Government Officers’ Residences (GOR) zones to curb unnecessary consumption.
Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the need for water meter installation and directed that it be included in the upcoming provincial budget. The Punjab government’s legal counsel confirmed that this measure will be part of the new budget plan.
During a hearing on smog mitigation, Justice Karim highlighted the accelerating impact of global warming, noting that temperature increases projected for 2050 are now expected as early as 2028.
He ordered the Environment Department to introduce emission testing stickers for vehicles and mandated the imposition of fines on those emitting excessive smoke on motorways. A report on the enforcement of these directives is to be submitted to the court.
The judge further stressed that heavy fines should be levied on individuals burning crop residues. The court set the next hearing for June 6, 2025.
In related developments, the Punjab government has intensified efforts to address smog and pollution since late 2023. On April 29, 2025, the Senior Provincial Minister reported that 59,532 saplings have been planted across 82 acres in Changa Manga forest. The government is also actively spraying weedicide to control invasive plant species in the area.
