The Lahore High Court, while hearing petitions on smog prevention, has issued strict directives to ensure the protection of trees along Canal Road, ordering that not a single tree be cut down for any development project on the route.

The court observed that the trees lining Canal Road are decades old and play a crucial role in maintaining the environment.

It warned that felling these trees would be environmentally damaging and reminded all concerned that the Supreme Court has already issued a ruling against tree cutting along the Canal.

Addressing the issue of high-rise developments in the Central Business District (CBD), the court directed that all such buildings must adhere to international environmental standards.

It also made it mandatory to plant greenery on rooftops to help maintain ecological balance in the city.

During the proceedings, the court sought updates on the Punjab government’s proposed Yellow Bus Project.

The government’s lawyer informed the court that electric yellow buses are being introduced, with surveys currently underway.

The court welcomed the initiative but stressed that the project must not come at the cost of environmental degradation or the removal of trees on Canal Road.

Highlighting the visible impacts of climate change, the court underlined that no project should be allowed that could harm the environment or compromise the city’s green spaces.