‘SMOG Emergency’ imposed by Punjab Government

Environment and health experts provided a briefing on precautionary measures to address the smog reduction. Simultaneously, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority declared smog a “calamity” and implemented a ban on burning crop residue. They also many issued directives for cracking down on vehicles emitting smoke. Furthermore, they recommended taking action against factories contributing to environmental pollution, with district administrations closely all industries and brick kilns. Deputy commissioners were granted the authority of relief commissioners to implement necessary measures for smog control and mitigation. In the Lahore High Court (LHC), Justice Shahid Karim urgently ordered the imposition of a “smog emergency” in the provincial metropolis due to consistently hazardous air quality. He expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Lahore commissioner in controlling air pollution, emphasizing that it was a matter of concern for the well-being of children. Justice Karim expressed serious displeasure and urged Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa to take responsibility for the city’s condition, as he was the custodian of Lahore. The judge also directed the government to halt renovation work in the city’s underpasses before midnight and ordered a strict crackdown on smoke-emitting factories, with instructions to seal them upon violation. Additionally, Justice Karim called for the activation of a special helpline for smog control and suggested that teachers and students in schools report daily about industrial units causing pollution in their respective areas. He lamented that uncontrolled development projects in the city were causing significant environmental damage and noted that smog, which typically occurred in late November and early December, arrived in October this year. The judge would resume hearing the case on Friday.