LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday directed the Punjab government to prepare and submit a revised policy on controlling smog in the province within three months.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Advocate Sheraz Raza against the government’s failure to take effective steps to contain smog.
LHC Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah in a written interim order reproached the government for wasting time on collecting data instead of taking steps for citizen’s health.
The court order said that smog index in the province had reached dangerous levels and directed the government to implement an emergency health plan.
Justice Shah urged the relevant departments to create awareness among citizens about smog and implement practical steps to rid the province of its menace.
The court also directed the government to clarify the role of health and education departments in the revised smog policy, and to publish the current details about smog on the Met department’s website.
The hearing was subsequently adjourned till December 18.
Smog in the provincial capital crossed all international benchmarks this month as PM2.5 levels remained between 450ug/m3 and 500ug/m3 versus the notified standards of 35ug/m3 per day.
