Smog Control: LHC Directs Punjab Government to Implement Beijing Model

LAHORE: (Daily Pakistan Online)The Lahore High Court has instructed the Punjab government to develop a long-term policy to tackle the issue of smog in the province. Justice Shahid Karim of the Lahore High Court heard petitions related to smog control and directed the government to formulate a comprehensive policy.

During the hearing, Justice Karim remarked that the government should announce a policy to prevent the construction of housing societies on agricultural land. The Advocate General of Punjab, Khalid Ismail Khan, informed the court that the government is working on the Land Acquisition Act.

The court directed the government to install a system to conserve groundwater and make it mandatory to install water treatment plants in houses larger than 10 marlas. The Advocate General informed the court that the government is taking steps to address the issue of smog, including the installation of electric buses and measures to ensure food security.

The court adjourned the hearing until next week and directed the Advocate General to submit a report on the progress made by the government in combating smog. The court also suggested that the government consider the Beijing model in formulating its policy.