The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday proposed to the Punjab government to impose emergency in the province to save water, launch crackdown against those wasting water besides imposing heavy fines.  The set of proposals was pronounced by LHC’s Justice Shahid Karim while hearing multiple petitions regarding smog control, environmental pollution, and groundwater conservation.  Citing the rapid depletion of the underground water levels, the LHC judge ordered the provincial government to undertake measure within two days to combat drought. 

Justice Shahid Karim remarked “It’s the need of the hour to halt the wastage of water. It seems people’s compassion has gone. It’s drought-like situation and public should own their responsibility. The situation can improve if there is a week-long action against housing societies for wasting water.”  Enlisting further steps, the LHC judge urged to government to made all students environment volunteers. “Students should send pictures of smoke-emitting vehicles and water wastage to the government so it can proceed against them,” he added. 

The court also directed the Transport Department to submit a report regarding registration of Qinqi rickshaws.  Environmental Commission member informed the court that a summary has been forwarded to the WASA regarding purchase of water meters. There were 0.8 million connections and so only 10,000 water meters have been installed, he added.  In response, Justice Shahid Karim proposed to include amount of water meters in consumer bills in installments. “I had already urged the government to imposed emergency in Punjab,” he added. 

The court also pointed out that the government has done nothing for arranging school buses. “There is a need to introduce legislation in this regard,” he added.  Justice Shahid Karim emphasised the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to address the water crisis and ensure environmental sustainability.  Deputy Advocate General Asad Ali Bajwa represented Punjab government in the case. Environmental Commission members, Environment Deputy Director Ali Ijaz and representatives of traffic, LDA and PHA also attended the court proceedings. The court adjourned the hearing of the case until after the Eid holidays. 

During the last hearing on March 25, various government departments submitted reports on their initiatives, but Justice Shahid Karim had expressed concern over the lack of comprehensive action to address the water crisis.  The LHC judge emphasised the urgent need to prevent water wastage, particularly through plastic pipes, and pointed out that even the Lahore High Court's courtyard is cleaned using such methods. "We have long been advocating for mandatory water recycling plants in houses of 10 marlas or more," Justice Karim remarked. Justice Karim had also proposed increasing tariffs for car showrooms to curb the practice of water wastage.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)