LHC orders imposition of Rs1 million fine on factories emitting smoke. The Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a landmark directive on Monday, imposing a hefty Rs1 million fine on factories found emitting polluted smoke within the provincial capital.
The order, delivered by Justice Shahid Karim during the hearing of a series of petitions addressing the pressing issue of intensifying smog, marks a significant step towards environmental accountability.
The director general of the Environment Department was in attendance during the proceedings.
In a noteworthy move, the court mandated that authorities must consult the Judicial Water Commission before considering the unsealing of any factories.
Revelations during the hearing included the disclosure by the director general that some factories, previously sealed by the environment department, were being surreptitiously unsealed by the factory owners themselves.
A pivotal moment occurred when a member of the water commission alleged that factories emitting hazardous smoke were clandestinely operating during the night, further accusing environment officials of accepting bribes.
Responding to these claims, Justice Shahid Karim directed the department to issue stern warnings to officers engaged in such corrupt practices.
Expanding its scope beyond air quality concerns, the court also handed down directives to authorities to impose fines on water wastage.
Domestic customers found guilty of this offense would face a Rs10,000 fine, while commercial consumers would be liable for a Rs20,000 penalty.
This multifaceted approach underscores the court’s commitment to addressing environmental degradation and promoting responsible water usage.
As LHC orders imposition of Rs1 million fine on factories emitting smoke, the LHC’s decisive actions reflect a growing acknowledgment of the urgent need for stringent measures to combat environmental challenges, emphasizing the court’s role in holding both industrial and individual actors accountable for their contributions to pollution and resource wastage.
