LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday took notice of the rising amount of pollution being caused due to industrial units installed in residential areas on Sheikhupura Road and in its adjourning areas in Gujranwala.
The LHC directed the Punjab advocate general and other relevant officials to conform to the principle of precaution, according to which whenever there is a clash between environmental and economic interests, the former shall prevail.
The single bench of LHC comprising Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh issued notices to Punjab chief secretary, environment secretary and summoned Gujranwala commissioner in person on the next hearing.
The petition was filed by a lung cancer patient, Sheikh Salahuddin, who argued that Gujranwala’s increasing pollution is making it one of the unhealthiest cities of the country in terms of the environment.
The counsel for the petitioner, Sheraz Zaka, maintained that his client is adversely being affected by leather and stainless steel units operating in the residential areas without a no objection certificate (NOC) and an adequate environmental impact assessment report.
It was further argued that emissions from these commercial areas are also contributing to the problem of smog, which is extremely hazardous for the health of the public at large.
The next hearing of the case was set for October 24, and the court was adjourned.
