Lahore High Court’s Landmark Ruling: Demolition of Polluting Factories and “Green Lockdown” to Combat Smog Crisis

The Lahore High Court (LHC) recently delivered a powerful verdict aimed at tackling Lahore’s worsening air pollution. As smog reaches critical levels, Justice Shahid Karim ordered the demolition of factories found to be emitting harmful smoke, which is intensifying Lahore’s alarming air quality crisis. The petition, filed by Haroon Farooq and others, emphasized the urgent need for a stricter approach to reducing pollution.

Court Orders and New Measures to Curb Pollution

In addition to factory demolitions, the court called for stern action against individuals responsible for burning crop residues, a practice that significantly exacerbates smog levels. Justice Karim directed the formation of dedicated teams to monitor pollution from factories in Sargodha and required a detailed report on environmental conditions around Lahore’s Tollinton Market.

The Green Lockdown: A Bold Move by Punjab’s Environment Department

The Punjab Environment Department has launched a “green lockdown” in Lahore, targeting some of the city’s most heavily polluted areas. On Wednesday, key areas—including Davies Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, and regions from Shimla Pahari to Abbott Road—were designated as smog hotspots and temporarily shut down. This decision is part of a broader strategy to lower pollution levels, reduce vehicular emissions, and curtail industrial pollutants in critical areas of the city.

Alarming AQI Levels and Mandatory Mask Mandate

Lahore’s smog situation reached hazardous levels last week, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 208, making it one of the most polluted cities worldwide. In response, the Punjab government has mandated masks for residents and imposed a ban on burning agricultural waste and open refuse. With the AQI in parts of Lahore hitting as high as 708, the city’s air quality has reached critical levels, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action.

Climate Diplomacy and Regional Collaboration

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the importance of “climate diplomacy” with India, acknowledging that smog is a shared challenge for both Pakistan and India. The chief minister’s remarks during a Diwali event underscored the need for cross-border cooperation, given that air pollution knows no boundaries. CM Nawaz proposed a letter to the Indian Punjab Chief Minister to initiate a collaborative approach in combating the smog crisis, emphasizing that the fight against pollution is both a humanitarian and regional concern.

This ruling, combined with the green lockdown and climate diplomacy proposal, reflects the Punjab government’s growing commitment to addressing the environmental crisis. While these efforts signify a bold step toward a cleaner future, continuous monitoring and enforcement will be crucial in making lasting improvements to Lahore’s air quality.