In view of the smog, the Lahore High Court has given directions to work from home for two days in a week, schools to be closed for two days and all commercial activities to be closed on Sunday.
Justice Shahid Karim remarked that we had followed this policy last year as well, let the environmental commission meet and decide.
Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court heard the petitions filed regarding the procurement of smog. During the hearing, various departments submitted reports.
Justice Shahid Karim remarked that heavy vehicles emitting smoke in the vicinity of Lahore should be cracked down on, buses parked at the terminal should be checked and the Motorway Police should also check the fitness of the vehicles.
The court expressed reservations over the Green Lockdown policy and remarked that Green Lockdown would shift pollution from one area to another, which might not be very effective.
The court remarked that last year we provided two days of work at home, closed schools on Fridays and Saturdays and changed the timings of markets, while commercial activities were completely closed on Sundays, we have to go back to such measures.
The lawyer of LDA said in the report that he has completed the inquiry report regarding 19 underpasses of Lahore. is
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**Interview with Environmental Activist Ayesha Noor**
**Interviewer:** Ayesha, the Lahore High Court recently mandated work-from-home protocols for two days a week, along with school closures and restrictions on commercial activities to tackle the pervasive smog issue in Lahore. What are your initial thoughts on these measures?
**Ayesha Noor:** I think it’s a step in the right direction, but it raises critical questions about long-term solutions versus temporary fixes. While these immediate actions might alleviate some of the pollution and protect public health, they do not address the root causes of smog.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting perspective. Some argue that shutting down schools and limiting commercial activities might hinder the education of children and economic growth. Do you think the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits in this case?
**Ayesha Noor:** It’s definitely a balancing act. Education and economic activities are crucial, but so is health. We need to protect citizens from the harmful effects of smog, especially vulnerable populations like children. The challenge lies in implementing sustainable solutions that tackle industrial emissions and traffic pollution without disrupting livelihoods.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned sustainable solutions. What alternative measures do you believe could be more effective in combating smog, rather than resorting to these periodic lockdowns?
**Ayesha Noor:** First, we must enforce stricter regulations on industrial emissions. Investing in public transport and encouraging the use of electric vehicles can significantly reduce vehicular pollution. Additionally, enhancing green spaces in urban areas can help improve air quality. Education campaigns to promote awareness and community involvement are also vital.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re advocating for a more holistic approach. Given the court’s concerns about the “Green Lockdown” merely shifting pollution, how do you think the government can ensure a comprehensive strategy that doesn’t just mask the problem?
**Ayesha Noor:** It’s crucial for the government to involve environmental experts in creating a robust policy framework that includes continuous monitoring and assessment of air quality. Collaborating with community organizations can help implement local solutions tailored to specific environments.
**Interviewer:** with these new court orders in place, how do you think the public will react? Will they support the measures, or will there be significant pushback over the impact on daily life?
**Ayesha Noor:** Public response may be mixed. Many will appreciate the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action, while others may find the restrictions burdensome. I believe open dialogue and public engagement can help guide a more inclusive approach, ultimately balancing health and economic needs.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ayesha, for sharing your thoughts on this pressing issue.
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What do you think? Are immediate measures like work-from-home protocols and school closures an effective way to tackle smog, or do they simply postpone addressing the underlying environmental issues? Let’s discuss!
