LHC extends stay order on Sheranwala, Taxali Gate projects in smog case

Lahore High Court has extended stay order on Sheranwala and Taxali Gate projects till next hearing in case related to smog remediation, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

During proceedings on Friday, the court directed steps to cancel bails of accused of cutting trees of Punjab University.

Court ordered Prosecutor General to take steps to cancel bails of accused of cutting trees of the university.

Court directed PHA to send summary to Law Department for early approval of Tree Transplant Policy Rules.

Justice Shahid Karim heard a case related to smog remediation.

Member Environmental Commission Syed Kamal Haider presented a report on commercial use of parks.

Member Environmental Commission suggested that there should be a complete ban on commercial use of parks and PHA should appoint tree officers to take care of trees.

Environmental commission also submitted draft of re-transplant policy to the court.

Technical committee will consist of officers and experts from various departments and the committee will be authorized to take decisions regarding tree transplant, member Environmental Commission submitted.

Do not leave it to anyone's discretion in this committee, everything should be clear, the court directed.

Justice Shahid Karim Remarked that if there is a need for a transplant, the relevant department should submit a feasibility report. 

PHA lawyer submitted that taking a feasibility report is not in the PHA Act.

Your act even does not prevent you from taking a feasibility report, the court remarked.

Justice Shahid Karim remarked that not only a decision for environmental protection, but also implementation is wanted.

Two parks have been selected as model parks and the commission will visit them soon, PHA lawyer submitted.

Do not make excessive constructions in model parks, but protect the natural ones, court directed.

Law officer submitted the court that in the case registered regarding the cutting of trees in Punjab University, the relevant named accused is not cooperating in the investigation.

Bring this matter to the notice of the Prosecutor General, Court's conversation with Punjab government lawyer.

Punjab University is going to plant 100,000 bamboo trees on Shaukat Ali Road Punjab University, lawyer submitted.

Plant bamboo too, but local trees should be preferred, Justice Shahid Karim remarked.

Deputy Director Environment Ali Ijaz appeared in court.

Punjab University Legal Advisor Shahzad Shaukat and Law Officer Dr. Ali Nawaz also appeared in the court.

It may be mention here that the High Court has issued a contempt of court notice to Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali for cutting trees.

The court adjourned further hearing of the case till March 6.