Daily Times

Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Tuesday barred cement factories from using potable water.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar while hearing a suo moto notice case pertaining to the depleted Katas Raj pond in Chakwal a revered site for Hindus, berated the cement factories over wasteful use of potable water.

SC lashed out at private cement factories for valuing their profits before the environment.

During the hearing, CJP observed that the cement factories were consuming millions of rupees’ worth water free of any cost.

CJP Nisar questioned why the Punjab Government had not yet imposed taxes on cement factories over wastage of water, adding the the SC will levy taxes itself.

The SC adjourned the hearing until August 1, barring the cement factories from using potable water.

The Katas Raj pond is said to have depleted due to the operations of the cement factories that have drained out the underground water for their factories.

Earlier the SC had concluded its suo moto notice case over the deteriorating condition of the Katas Raj pond in May, 2018 after getting assurance from the cement factories to arrange alternative sources of water to be used and purchased.

Previously the SC had ordered the factories to submit Rs 2 billion as bank security with warning of shutting down if it continued acts of gross negligence.

However, the factories had assured that alternative sources of water will be arranged within six months time.

Published in Daily Times, July 11^th 2018.