Justice Shahid Karim on Friday ordered local authorities to fine late-night restaurants a whopping 50,000 rupees. The Lahore High Court (LHC) has imposed a fine on restaurants and cafés violating the time bar imposed on eateries to curb smog. Last month the court ordered the government to close restaurants, particularly in the Johar Town area, by 10 pm as a measure to tackle smog, Arshad Ali reported on Samaa News.
The court also directed the government to take immediate action against those running cafes without permission. In addition to that, the court sought a reply from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) about the final date for the completion of city underpasses till the next hearing.
“If the underpasses are allowed to be renovated even during the day, then how many days will it take to consult on this and give a date of completing the decoration of the underpasses,” the judge remarked.
The court also sought a report on green projects from the Central Business District (CBD).
“Has Central Business District (CBD) launched any green projects,” the court inquired. “They are erecting high-rise buildings, but who will start the green project,” the court further inquired. Judicial Water Commission said that CBD had said that they would start the green project. The court issued stay orders against the launch of the new CBD project on Walton Road. The court sought a report from the CBD on the next hearing on Monday.
