Lahore: Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered to include installation of water meters in upcoming Punjab budget.

The court also directed the Environment Department to implement the issuance of emission testing stickers for vehicles and order to impose fines on vehicles emitting smoke on the motorways.

The court directed environment department to challan smoke emitting vehicles on motorways and file the report on next hearing.

Justice Shahid Karim of LHC took up for hearing cases regarding smog eradication Saturday.

WASA while presenting its report told the court summary has been sent to include 2 lac water meters in annual budget. WASA will purchase 1000 water meters through its own resources. Water tanks having storage capacity of 24.2 million gallons rain water will be constructed. Rain water will be used through water tanks.

Water tanks will help in improving underground water level and reducing pressure on sewerage system. There are 812537 water connections in Lahore. Water bills are issued under slab system.

Counsel for WASA told the court the new water meters will be installed first in posh areas and then these will be installed in other areas.

Justice Shahid Karim remarked when water meters are installed and bills will come then people will understand it that water has not to be wasted.

Counsel for Punjab government told the court that meeting in connection with burning crops residues has yet to be held.

The court remarked electricity connection of farmers be disconnected to stop them from burning crops residues. Such steps be taken that make farmers realize the gravity of the matter.

The court inquired are the smoke emitting vehicles being checked at entrance ways and outer ways on motorways. Only one person is enough to check smoke emitting vehicles at toll plaza. Give report in this regard on next hearing.

The court directed letter be written to registrar high court on wastage of water.

The court while seeking implementation report adjourned the hearing till June 6.