(24News) The Lahore High Court directed the Punjab government to make a long-term policy to control smog.
Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court heard the petitions related to the remedy of smog, Advocate General Punjab Khalid Ishaq Khan appeared in the court, while talking to Advocate General Punjab during the hearing, Justice Shahid Karim said in his remarks that the Chief Minister of Punjab as soon as Come back, you should talk about a long-term policy on smog, at least a ten-year policy.
Advocate General Punjab told the court that we have allocated a budget to run electric buses in Punjab, these buses will be on the roads before June next year, we are also taking measures regarding food security, to deal with the flood situation. We are also taking steps to conserve rainwater.
On this, Justice Shahid Karim remarked that these measures are very good, the government should announce that housing societies should not be built on agricultural land, on which Advocate General Punjab told the court that we are also working on the Land Acquisition Act. The court directed that underground water conserving plants should be planted as much as possible, it should be made mandatory to install water treatment plants in ten marla houses.
Khalid Ishaq Khan told the court that the ground surface temperature has also increased, we are also working on it, the work for the urban forest has started and will give a report to the court in March, the Punjab government is serious about smog. is working, not only measures are being taken but they are also being improved along with their monitoring.
The Supreme Court directed the Advocate General to assist the court by looking at the Beijing model, and the implementation reports should be submitted at the hearing.
Later, the court adjourned further proceedings in the Smog Tadak case till next week.
How can community involvement help in tackling air quality issues in urban areas like Lahore?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Smog Policy Expert
[Time.news Editor]: Good day, everyone! Welcome to another edition of our insightful interviews. Today, we’re diving into the pressing issue of air quality in Pakistan, particularly the smog crisis that has been a perennial challenge, especially in cities like Lahore. Recently, the Lahore High Court directed the Punjab government to formulate a long-term policy to tackle smog. Joining us to shed light on this critical issue is Dr. Amina Hussain, a renowned environmental policy expert. Dr. Hussain, welcome!
[Dr. Amina Hussain]: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
[Editor]: The Lahore High Court’s directive to the Punjab government marks a significant step. In your opinion, what do you see as the key components of a long-term policy for controlling smog?
[Dr. Hussain]: That’s an excellent question! A long-term policy should encompass several critical areas. Firstly, we need stricter regulations on emissions from industries and vehicles. Many of the pollutants contributing to smog come from old, unregulated vehicles and industrial emissions. Secondly, reforestation and the creation of green belts in urban areas can significantly improve air quality by acting as natural filters.
[Editor]: Reforestation sounds promising! Can you elaborate on its impact on urban air quality?
[Dr. Hussain]: Absolutely! Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering out harmful pollutants. In urban environments like Lahore, increasing green cover can help lower temperatures while improving air quality. It’s a natural solution that complements technological interventions. For example, the government could also invest in air quality monitoring systems that provide real-time data, enabling better policy-making and immediate action.
[Editor]: Real-time data sounds vital. Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the importance of a systematic approach during the court hearing. How crucial is coordination between different government departments in implementing these policies?
[Dr. Hussain]: Coordination is essential! Air quality management isn’t solely the responsibility of the environmental department. It requires collaboration among transportation, urban planning, health, and agriculture sectors. For example, integrating smog control measures into urban planning can help reduce congestion, which is a major contributor to air pollution. A holistic approach ensures that policies are not only effective but also sustainable.
[Editor]: You mentioned congestion, which brings to mind the growing vehicular population in Lahore. What strategies could be applied to address this specific issue?
[Dr. Hussain]: One effective strategy is to encourage the use of public transportation. Improving transit infrastructure and providing incentives for its use can lead to fewer cars on the road. Also, promoting carpooling and non-motorized transport like cycling can help reduce traffic. Additionally, there should be stricter regulations on older vehicles that do not meet emission standards.
[Editor]: It sounds like a multi-faceted challenge. Moving forward, what role do you think public awareness and community involvement play in achieving cleaner air?
[Dr. Hussain]: Public awareness is vital! Communities need to be educated about the sources and effects of smog and how they can contribute to solutions. Grassroots initiatives, like local tree-planting drives or education campaigns, empower citizens to take action. Advocacy for cleaner air should also encourage citizen engagement in dialogue with policymakers, creating a stronger push for enforcement of regulations.
[Editor]: Thank you, Dr. Hussain. Before we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to our audience regarding the smog crisis and our collective responsibility?
[Dr. Hussain]: I’d like to emphasize that the smog crisis is not just an environmental issue but a public health concern that affects each one of us. Every individual can make a difference—whether it’s by reducing personal vehicle use, planting trees, or advocating for better policies. It’s important to remember that clean air is a basic human right, and together, we can make a significant impact.
[Editor]: Inspiring words, Dr. Hussain! Thank you for your valuable insights today. It’s clear that a collaborative effort between the government and the public is essential for resolving the smog issue in Lahore and beyond.
[Dr. Hussain]: Thank you for having me!
[Editor]: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Let’s continue to stay informed and take action for a cleaner, healthier environment. Until next time!