LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) orders schools to ensure transportation is provided for at least 50% of their students, and schools that do not comply with its orders after winter vacations will not be allowed to operate, in an effort to minimize traffic emissions caused by private vehicles.
The court has directed authorities to submit a report on the implementation of its decision requiring schools to provide bus services as part of efforts to reduce smog.
Justice Shahid Karim issued a two-page written order during the latest hearing on petitions related to smog control.
The Punjab government’s legal representative informed the court about a recent meeting regarding the school transport policy. Private schools were warned that failure to follow the court’s orders would lead to their closure after the holidays. The court also directed the Transport Department to create a comprehensive policy for the regular inspection of large vehicles such as buses and trucks to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) was ordered to stop planting Conocarpus trees in Lahore, with existing ones to be removed and replaced by native species better suited to the local environment. The Environmental Protection Department confirmed a complete ban on stone-crushing activities, which are a significant source of air pollution in the region.
The court’s directives highlight its commitment to tackling Lahore’s smog crisis and improving air quality for the well-being of its citizens.
Read more: Lahore once again tops the list of most polluted cities
