Islamabad, 23 May 2025: All Vehicle Service Stations in Punjab have been directed by the Lahore High Court to install water recycling systems as part of a broader strategy to combat environmental degradation and manage smog levels.
The directive came during a hearing led by Justice Shahid Karim, who is overseeing petitions concerning pollution control in the province.
Justice Karim instructed all district administrative heads to take immediate steps to enforce the order across All Vehicle Service Stations, with the aim of conserving water and preventing waste from contaminating local resources.
A progress report was also presented in court detailing efforts to restore a defunct water treatment plant in Kasur.
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During the proceedings, the judge expressed strong disapproval over the closure of the Kasur facility, noting that the absence of clean water had contributed to a rise in health problems among both children and adults. He stressed that the plant’s restoration was crucial to ensuring safe water access in the region.
In a related development, the court was informed that the Central Business District (CBD) had constructed a dedicated reservoir to collect and store rainwater.
This stored water, officials said, will be used for maintaining public greenery and cleaning urban roads. Justice Karim welcomed the move, calling it a positive example of sustainable resource management.
Additionally, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) updated the court on its latest crackdown against illegal stubble burning along highways.
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It reported that violators are being penalised in a bid to reduce harmful emissions, a significant contributor to Punjab’s seasonal smog problem.
The judge, while acknowledging the efforts, requested updated compliance reports from relevant authorities before the next hearing. The case has been adjourned until the following Friday.
The court reiterated that All Vehicle Service Stations must meet the water recycling mandate without delay, underlining that All Vehicle Service Stations play a key role in reducing environmental harm through responsible water usage.
