Punjab told to act on water shortage

The Lahore High Court has once again recommended that the Punjab government impose a water emergency across the province. The court also suggested imposing fines ranging from Rs100000 to Rs500000 on housing societies found wasting water.

Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court has raised serious concerns about the worsening water crisis in Cholistan and across Punjab. During a hearing on smog and environmental pollution, the judge reviewed reports submitted by various government departments and directed immediate steps to address water wastage.

Justice Karim urged the government to declare a water emergency without delay. He criticized the ineffective use of awareness campaigns and newspaper ads, saying only publishers benefit while no real action is taken. He stressed the need for strict enforcement and accountability to conserve water.

The court issued a final warning to large housing societies, instructing that any society found washing cars with a hose should be sealed. For such violations, Justice Karim recommended a fine of Rs100000 for the first offense and Rs500000 for the second. In case of repeated violations, the society’s management committee could face suspension.

He emphasized the urgency of water conservation, pointing out that Lahore’s underground water level was already declining. He urged the installation of water recycling plants in large buildings to reduce water wastage and protect resources for future generations.

The judge also directed the PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority) director general to inform all relevant institutions about the water emergency. He warned that if no action is taken, officials must report directly to the court.

In addition to the water crisis, the court proposed a shift in dealing with traffic violations, recommending heavy fines instead of FIRs. The hearing has been adjourned until next week for further updates.

Justice Karim’s remarks highlight the critical need for urgent and practical measures to tackle environmental challenges, especially water scarcity.