Why Are Brick Kilns Still Operating In Punjab, LHC Asks EPA

Why Are Brick Kilns Still Operating In Punjab, LHC Asks EPA
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice designate Mamoon Rashid Sheikh has reprimanded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its unsatisfactory performance in resolving the smog issue.

The CJ-designate said that brick kilns were still operating in the province even though the government, which states they have 36 departments working on the issue, assured that they have shut down 3000 kilns in the province.

He also asked the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) to submit a report about the trees planted and cut in the city in the last 10 years.

The petitioners expressed their concern over the high air pollution levels in the province and mentioned how Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala were among the world’s most polluted cities. They added that the government’s air quality monitoring equipment does not meet the requirements set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Shiekh asked the EPA to produce a report on the status of brick kilns in the province, asking them to act on the smog commission’s recommendations.

The hearing of the case was adjourned to the 10th of December.

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