LHC warns of serious environmental consequences
The Lahore High Court has issued a 265-page detailed judgment in cases related to smog and environmental degradation, warning that continued damage to nature could leave future generations without essential natural resources.
The court said human activities have pushed the environment and climate to a critical stage. Pollution, excessive use of natural resources and environmental degradation are intensifying rapidly, making immediate and effective action necessary.
The judgment stressed that environmental protection is not solely the responsibility of government departments. Citizens, institutions, businesses, educational organisations and local authorities must also play their part.
The court expressed serious concern over the rapid decline in groundwater levels, describing the situation as extremely dangerous. It stressed that water remains essential for human survival and warned that its unnecessary consumption and wastage could create severe problems for future generations.
The court directed relevant authorities to introduce practical measures to conserve water and reduce unnecessary consumption.
As part of its water conservation measures, the court directed authorities to ensure that water used for ablution at mosques is collected instead of being wasted.
The court ordered that the collected water should be reused for watering plants and greenery. It observed that even small conservation measures could have a significant impact when implemented on a large scale.
The judgment highlighted the strong connection between environmental protection and fundamental human rights. The court noted that the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment has gained constitutional significance in Pakistan following the insertion of Article 9A into the Constitution.
It called for long-term policies to protect air, water, soil, trees and other natural resources instead of relying only on temporary measures during severe smog episodes.
The court warned that continued neglect of the environment could cause irreversible damage. It stressed that authorities must treat environmental protection as a permanent priority rather than responding only when smog or other environmental emergencies become severe.
The Lahore High Court has issued several directions during the long-running smog case covering air pollution, tree plantation, groundwater conservation and urban environmental management. Through its continuing supervisory role, the court has also monitored the implementation of these measures by government departments and environmental bodies.
The judgment called for collective action and changes in human behaviour to tackle Punjab’s growing environmental challenges and protect natural resources for future generations.
