LHC expresses concern over declining groundwater levels
Pakistan
Court also blamed PDMA for its lack of action
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) - The Lahore High Court expressed concern over the continuing decline in groundwater levels.
During the hearing of petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and others seeking action against smog, Justice Shahid Karim emphasised that water scarcity has become a major issue. He stressed that without the installation of water meters, wastage of water would persist.
The court also blamed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for its lack of action. Justice Karim noted that the PDMA had merely placed advertisements and aired them on TV for awareness.
Justice Shahid Karim expressed strong disapproval, calling such campaigns a waste of money. He suggested calling a meeting with the Water Commission to discuss water conservation measures and instructed that the minutes of these meetings be presented to the Chief Minister.
The court also addressed the issue of school buses. Justice Karim remarked that, as a temporary measure, schools could hire contractors to provide buses, but in the long term, schools must purchase their own. He further proposed the creation of rules requiring schools to buy buses annually and submit reports on the number of buses purchased each year.
While reviewing audit reports, the court noted that large schools had made significant profits. During the hearing on school fees, the court inquired about the Transport Department's report and the status of electric buses, ordering the department to submit a report on its actions.
Justice Karim also suggested the need to transition two- and three-wheelers to electric vehicles.
Additionally, he received reports that the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) had encroached upon Racecourse Park to expand its office.
A member of the Judicial Commission informed the court about a restaurant operating at Nasir Bagh despite a court order prohibiting such establishments within parks. The court also learned that the RUDA got 6,000 acres of land from the Forest Department, but only 192 acres had been developed since 2022.
Justice Karim questioned why the Punjab government had transferred land to RUDA, expressing concerns that it may eventually be used for housing societies. He suggested that the Forest Department reclaim the land and undertake development. The court issued notices to the Board of Revenue and RUDA, instructing them to appear at the next hearing.
Further, the court inquired about the ongoing development at Tollington Market and suggested that a designated market for pets be created, with ample land available for the purpose. Justice Karim proposed that a market be developed and leased out.
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