The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the government to impose a citywide emergency in Lahore to tackle the severe smog situation. The court’s directive came during a hearing of petitions seeking judicial intervention to address the alarming air pollution levels.
Court’s Directive and Observations
During the hearing, Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhwa and other officials were present. Justice Shahid Karim, who presided over the session, criticized the government for its failure to manage the smog crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for action. He remarked that the situation has worsened over the years, with smog now starting as early as October, which previously began in late November or December. Justice Karim stressed that smog is not only a personal concern but affects children and the entire population.
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Immediate Measures Ordered
Factory Regulations
- Sealing Factories: The court directed the authorities not to de-seal factories responsible for emitting black smoke.
- Student Involvement: School and college students are encouraged to report such factories to the authorities.
- Awareness Campaigns: The court ordered officials to visit educational institutions to inform students about the new regulations concerning pollution-emitting factories.LHC Orders Government to Address Smog Emergency in Lahore
Health Implications and Pollution Levels
According to a report in The News, Lahore has turned into a “poisonous gas chamber,” with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 255. This marks the third consecutive day that Lahore topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities. The severe smog has led to significant health issues among residents.
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Air Quality and Traffic
Sources in the district administration indicated that high VVIP movement, including visits by the caretaker Prime Minister and Chief Minister, led to manual traffic signal management, causing increased vehicle emissions. This exacerbated the smog situation in the city.
Industrial and Vehicular Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that many factories, particularly in northern Lahore, operate at night using sub-standard fuels like rubber tires and plastics. These practices significantly contribute to air pollution. The EPA’s efforts to curb smoky vehicles and industrial emissions have been criticized as insufficient.
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Health Risks
Health experts highlighted the dangers of fine particles (PM2.5) prevalent in the smog. Dr. Tariq Chishti, a general physician,LHC Orders Government to Address Smog Emergency in Lahore noted that these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing severe risks to both respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Summary of Immediate Actions
| Directive | Details |
| Factory Regulations | Factories emitting black smoke must remain sealed; students to report such factories; officials to conduct awareness campaigns in schools. |
| Traffic Management | Address traffic-related emissions, particularly during high VVIP movement. |
| Industrial Emissions | Crackdown on factories using sub-standard fuels and operating illegally at night. |
| Public Health | Emphasize the health risks of PM2.5 particles and encourage protective measures for residents. |