The Lahore High Court has made it clear: the felling of trees along Canal Road for the proposed Yellow Train metro line will not be allowed. During a recent hearing, Justice Shahid Karim strongly opposed any attempt to remove the trees that line the city’s iconic canal, calling them the last remaining beauty of Lahore. “In Lahore, the beauty of trees is only preserved along the canal,” he remarked, underlining how crucial this green corridor is to the city’s environment and identity.
The Yellow Train metro project is being pitched as a modern electric public transport solution, aimed at easing traffic and reducing pollution. But the environmental cost—especially the potential destruction of mature trees—is proving to be a major roadblock. A member of the judicial commission informed the court that the project’s proposed path would likely cut through parts of the greenbelt along the canal. This drew a firm response from the bench: any such proposal will not be entertained.
Representatives from WASA, who were also present at the hearing, shared updates about ongoing infrastructure upgrades like the installation of water meters, beginning with commercial zones. They claimed the excavation work would be completed by the end of July. However, these urban development plans failed to justify tampering with the canal’s green line in the eyes of the court.
Justice Karim didn’t stop at tree-felling. He also criticised the environment department’s recently established “environment force” for being ineffective. He pointed out the continued presence of smoke-emitting vehicles and the lack of enforcement on ground, demanding accountability and immediate improvement in their operations.
In another notable moment, the court discussed concerns raised about the location of Tollinton Market. Environmentalists and petitioners argued that the current location is unsuitable due to congestion and poor hygiene. Justice Karim directed the judicial commission to assess the possibility of relocating the market to a better-planned site that includes veterinary and food safety provisions.
The hearing was adjourned until June 27, with a directive for authorities to submit comprehensive reports. The future of the Yellow Train metro may still be debated, but the court’s message is clear: Lahore’s greenery is not up for negotiation. As the city wrestles with balancing development and sustainability, the decision could set a precedent for how we treat our remaining natural assets.
