LHC orders priority issuance of fitness stickers for heavy vehicles

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed the Environment Department to issue fitness stickers on a priority basis for heavy transport vehicles, large vehicles and rickshaws.

The court also ordered a detailed survey to assess the performance of water treatment plants installed in industrial units, emphasising the need for practical and effective monitoring to curb pollution.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the orders while hearing a set of petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others.

Representatives from various government departments, including the Environment Department, appeared before the court.

During the proceedings, a member of the Judicial Water and Environmental Commission informed the court that the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) had not relocated birds from Tollinton Market despite earlier court directives.

At this, expressing displeasure, the court criticised the authority for non-compliance.

The Punjab government’s counsel informed the court that the budget had allocated funds for the installation of 200,000 water meters.

The court instructed that an official progress report, in the form of a government letter, be submitted at the next hearing.

The court also raised concerns over the non-provision of health allowances to traffic wardens.

Highlighting the severity sof climate change, the court observed that the temperature has increased by two degrees Celsius, and the region is simultaneously facing heat waves and environmental threats.‘We must take serious and urgent measures,’ it added.

The court further expressed disappointment over the public attitude towards water conservation and remarked, ‘People are wasting water and have no appreciation for its value. Ask the people of Sindh what water means to them.’

The court directed all departments concerned to submit compliance reports and adjourned the hearing until June 17.