In a bid to curb smog, the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore on Monday announced strict measures against smoke-emitting and unfit vehicles. The CTO Lahore announced that Ffrom October 1, heavy vehicles without valid fitness certificates will not be allowed to enter the city. Action will be taken under the Motor Vehicle Ordinance against violators, he added. The CTO said a large-scale crackdown is being launched against polluting vehicles. Since January 1, as many as 26,301 smoke-emitting vehicles have already been fined.

Additionally, trolleys transporting sand and soil must be properly covered, with penalties imposed for non-compliance. In the last hearing, the Lahore High Court (LHC) fixed timings of restaurants to curb worsening air quality in the province due to the smog threat. Justice Shahid Karim heard petitions concerning smog and environmental pollution. Justice Shahid Karim ordered that all restaurants across the city must strictly close by 12 a.m., warning that violations of the time restriction would result in legal action.

The court noted that climate change is a critical issue that cannot be compromised. Regarding ongoing infrastructure projects, the court noted that the Yellow Line project is already under the supervision of an independent consultant. It also reaffirmed that Lahore Canal had been declared a heritage site, referencing relevant Supreme Court decisions, and stated that no trees along the canal may be cut without prior court approval. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)