The Lahore High Court has directed all deputy commissioners in Punjab to formulate policies regarding the usage and disposal of polythene bags.

LHC judge Justice Shahid Karim said this in a written order on petitions filed by a citizen named Haroon Farooq and others.

Each DC has been tasked with creating a comprehensive policy that outlines strategies for collecting and disposing of polythene bags. According to the court order, the policy should include provisions for imposing a fee on citizens for using polythene bags.

The court has instructed all districts to submit their respective policies during the next hearing.

The LHC has also directed industries in Punjab to implement measures that prevent waste and pollution. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been tasked with ensuring compliance and submitting a report within four weeks.

Moreover, environmental officers in Sheikhupura and Nankana Sahib will be transferred. The court ordered that ongoing actions against factories and brick kilns contributing to pollution should continue.

The court has adjourned the hearing until May 3, at which point the submitted policies and progress reports will be reviewed.

Last month, the Punjab government announced its decision to impose a complete ban on the use of plastic bags from June 5 to combat pollution and enhance environmental quality, without giving an alternative to several shopkeepers and vendors.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who made the announcement at a press conference in Lahore, expressed confidence that Punjab would set a shining example of environmental stewardship in the coming years.

Also, read this

When Punjab CM Maryam asked a woman at bazaar what she was cooking

‘Local holiday’ declared in Lahore on Tuesday

LHC orders closure of markets by 10pm to fight smog

The senior minister announced awareness campaigns in educational institutions to educate students about the importance of environmental preservation and the adverse effects of pollution.

Every year in winter, Lahore has been ranked the world’s most polluted city with the worst air quality, especially in winter.

Last year, the caretaker government had its maiden experiment with artificial rain to combat smog. It improved the city’s air quality level from “hazardous” to “unhealthy”.