LAHORE – The Lahore High Court on Thursday issued a landmark order mandating the installation of water recycling plants at all service stations across Punjab in a bid to curb water wastage and combat environmental degradation.
Justice Shahid Karim of the LHC passed the order on petitions filed for smog mitigation.
The judge directed all deputy commissioners to ensure immediate compliance with the order.
“We must take further steps to conserve water,” remarked Justice Karim, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the Kasur water treatment plant remains non-functional, despite the passage of over a year.
The plant’s restoration, managed by a private company, has seen significant delays. Ali Ijaz, a representative of the Environment Department, admitted to the court that the restoration process is facing setbacks.
Justice Karim took serious notice of the situation, highlighting that the closure of the plant is contributing to the spread of diseases in the area, particularly affecting newborn children. The court ordered the Lahore Commissioner to submit a detailed report on the treatment plant’s status at the next hearing. “The Kasur plant must be restored to ensure clean water for residents,” he said.
The court also appreciated the efforts of the Central Business District (CBD), which has constructed a rainwater storage tank for use in road cleaning and irrigation of plants.
Justice Karim praised this initiative, calling it a model step toward sustainable water use.
Separately, a lawyer for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informed the court that enforcement teams are active along motorways to prevent stubble burning, and the fines are being imposed on the violators.
The move aims to reduce air pollution, which significantly contributes to smog formation during the winter season.
The case has been adjourned until the next week.
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