LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed Qingqi “Chingchi” rickshaw factories to close down in an effort to stop the pollution in the city.
Justice Shahid Karim pointed out that their manufacturing needs to be stopped in order to avoid causing further damage to the environment.
The court issued the order following confirmation from the Environmental Department officials that manufacturing “Chingchi” rickshaws needs to be stopped because they contribute to pollution.
The court instructed the closure of factories during a period of three months unless they are controlling their activities to be brought within environmental norms.
The court also decided on the basis of a new fatal accident due to a “Chingchi” rickshaw, which was reported by the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO).
The accident highlighted the necessity for action regarding these vehicles on the roads. Apart from the environmental issues, Justice Karim also spoke against persistent protests at Mall Road that were causing tremendous traffic jams.
The court urged the authorities to address the grievances of the protesters and shift them so that they would not inconvenience traffic.
The court was vocal in its disapproval of shutting down huge chunks of the city for security reasons, especially when events such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) taking place.
The court condemned this practice, arguing that it gives rise to a bad reputation of security in the city. By compelling authorities to explore other measures, the court is seeking to achieve equilibrium between guaranteeing security and avoiding disturbances in the life of citizens.
The closure of Chingchi rickshaw factories is a crucial step towards eradicating environmental pollution in Lahore, and the court’s instructions regarding protests and security measures are aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life of the people.
