The Lahore High Court has made the Punjab government's electronic motorcycle scheme conditional on obtaining an environmental No-Objection Certificate (NOC). The decision came during a hearing focused on combating smog and environmental pollution.
Justice Shahid Karim presided over the case, underscoring the necessity of adhering to environmental regulations before implementing government projects. The court remarked that proceeding with the motorcycle scheme without securing an environmental NOC constitutes a criminal offence, highlighting the critical importance of addressing environmental pollution.
The court emphasized that environmental pollution is a serious issue that cannot be ignored, reinforcing the need for stringent measures to mitigate its impact. As part of broader environmental preservation efforts, the court issued orders for the complete restoration and safety enhancement of all parks within the city.
The court suggested that fines could be imposed, if necessary, to ensure compliance with these directives regarding parks.
Additionally, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has been instructed to restore seven sports complexes and submit a comprehensive report on tree-felling activities. The court has mandated the Punjab government to provide a detailed report on these environmental measures by May 27.
This ruling signifies a proactive judicial approach to environmental protection, setting a precedent for ensuring that development projects adhere to environmental standards.
