In a decisive move to address the severe smog issue in Lahore, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the police to seize vehicles emitting excessive smoke, according to ARY News.

This directive emerged during a session where the LHC bench reviewed petitions demanding intervention to combat smog. The session was presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, who heard the petition filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others.

The LHC has instructed the traffic police to launch a rigorous campaign against smoke-emitting vehicles to curb environmental pollution. Additionally, the Motorway police have been tasked with taking action against the burning of crop residues, a significant contributor to smog. The court also warned the IG of the Motorway police of potential contempt proceedings if they fail to comply with these directives.

In the proceedings, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) presented a report on heatstroke, mentioning an ongoing awareness campaign. They also highlighted the deployment of 20 water bowsers to Cholistan to mitigate water shortages during the hot weather.

The hearing on the petitions has been adjourned until next Friday.

Causes of Smog in Lahore

The primary causes of the dense smog in Lahore include emissions from vehicles and factories, as well as the burning of crop residues. These factors significantly degrade air quality, especially at the onset of winter, leading to widespread respiratory and health issues. In recent years, Punjab has been particularly impacted by these adverse weather conditions.