On Thursday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) took a significant step by instructing Deputy Commissioners throughout Punjab to develop a comprehensive policy addressing the issue of plastic bags. The directive came during a hearing of a case concerning factories and brick kilns contributing to environmental pollution. Presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, the court issued a written order in response to petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others.
Among the directives given by the court, Deputy Commissioners were tasked with formulating a strategy for the collection and disposal of polythene bags. Additionally, they were instructed to establish a fee structure for individuals discarding polythene bags and to sustain efforts in cracking down on factories and brick kilns responsible for pollution.
Furthermore, the Chamber of Commerce was called upon to provide a report within a four-week period, advising industries throughout Punjab on measures to mitigate waste and pollution. The next hearing for the case was adjourned until May 3, with the court expecting the presentation of the formulated policies from all districts of Punjab.
