Lahore’s relentless smog crisis has led the Lahore High Court to propose significant new measures aimed at reducing the city’s dangerously high pollution levels. These include two work-from-home days each week, school closures on Fridays and Saturdays, and a halt to all commercial activities on Sundays. This comprehensive plan seeks to address Lahore’s growing pollution problem, which has consistently placed it among the world’s most polluted cities, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) peaking at a hazardous 394.
During a recent session focused on environmental protection, Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the need for immediate and effective actions to mitigate the harmful effects of smog. Drawing from last year’s successful anti-smog initiatives, which included similar restrictions, Justice Karim underscored the importance of reintroducing these practices to combat the ongoing crisis. He directed the city’s environmental commission to convene urgently to finalize and implement these measures.
Increased Checks on Heavy Vehicles and Pollution Control
The High Court also reviewed reports from various government departments and issued orders to intensify pollution checks on heavy vehicles, particularly buses. To reduce emissions, officials will now enhance inspections at bus terminals and enforce strict vehicle fitness standards on highways. These measures target emissions from transport, which contribute significantly to the city’s smog problem.
Justice Karim also raised concerns over the existing “Green Lockdown” policy, cautioning that it might simply shift pollution to other areas instead of providing a lasting solution. He called for a more robust and impactful approach to curbing pollution citywide, emphasizing that effective solutions must tackle the root causes rather than just redistribute pollution.
Focus on Infrastructure Maintenance and Pollution Solutions
The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) updated the court on its ongoing inquiry regarding the upkeep of Lahore’s underpasses, which has now been assigned to the Punjab Highway Authority. This agency will handle maintenance and protect essential infrastructure elements, such as LED lights, from theft.
While the court’s recommendations are urgent, officials acknowledge that addressing Lahore’s smog crisis will require sustained, long-term efforts. The Punjab government has already launched several anti-smog initiatives, including artificial rain, anti-smog squads, and environmental education programs aimed at creating public awareness.
Experts caution, however, that the positive effects of these initiatives may take 8-10 years to materialize, given the entrenched nature of the problem. They point to key factors fueling Lahore’s air pollution, including crop residue burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular exhaust, as areas that will require continuous monitoring and regulatory action.
As air quality continues to deteriorate, the Lahore High Court’s proposed measures provide hope for immediate relief while setting the stage for a cleaner, healthier future. By fostering a collective response across government departments and urging compliance from residents and businesses, Lahore is taking steps towards a comprehensive, citywide solution to its escalating air pollution crisis.