LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed that all high-rise buildings must have greenery on their rooftops and strictly prohibited the approval of any project that involves cutting of trees, as part of efforts to combat smog and environmental degradation.
Justice Shahid Karim of LHC passed the order while hearing a set of petitions concerning environmental pollution and the increasing impact of smog in the provincial capital.
During the proceedings, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) submitted its Green Buildings Policy report to the court.
Justice Karim expressed strong displeasure over a statement by the Director General of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) regarding the felling of trees for the proposed Yellow Line train project. The court warned that any such act would invite contempt proceedings.
“We are not against development projects but no trees should be cut down in the name of development,” the judge remarked. “If the DG PHA authorizes tree cutting, he will be issued a contempt of court notice.”
Responding to the court’s queries, the LDA’s counsel said that the Green Buildings Policy includes requirements such as installing water treatment plants and other environmental measures. However, the court questioned what had been done for buildings already constructed in the city.
The counsel clarified that the policy applies only to newly built structures, and six buildings in Lahore have so far been declared as green buildings.
When asked about the status of the Yellow Line train project, the government counsel informed the court that the project is still under consideration and no physical work has begun.
Justice Karim stressed that no project should be approved if it involves deforestation. “The effects of climate change are already visible. Western countries may have the means to deal with it, but we do not. For God’s sake, show compassion for future generations and plant more trees,” the judge remarked.
In a related directive, the court also sought a report from the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) regarding proposals to convert major city roads into one-way routes to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions.
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