Punjab Govt urged to declare water emergency across province

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has once again recommended the Punjab government to impose a water emergency across the province. The court also suggested a fine of up to Rs 100,000. Housing societies wasted water worth Rs 100,000 to Rs 500,000.

Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim made these remarks while hearing petitions filed by citizen Haroon Farooq regarding smog and environmental pollution. Several government departments submitted their reports during the hearing. Expressing concern over the growing water crisis in Cholistan, the court urged the government to immediately impose a water emergency.

The judge remarked that only publishers benefit from running advertisements in newspapers, we need a crackdown on water wastage. Justice Karim further said that big housing societies should be given a final warning regarding water usage. He ordered that if cars are seen washing with a hose, the society should be sealed. The court recommended a fine of Rs 100,000. 100,000 for the first violation and Rs. 500,000 for the second, with the possibility of suspending the management committee for repeated offenses.

The judge stressed urgency, saying, “Lahore’s water level was dropping rapidly. We worked hard to stop this decline – we should not let this effort go in vain. After a long time, the climate is finally changing. Water recycling plants should be installed in big buildings to conserve water. Not only for us, but for our future generations.” He also stressed the need to impose a water emergency in rural areas, warning that without monsoon, the country would face a drought-like situation.

The court directed the PDMA director general to formally inform the relevant agencies about the water emergency, adding, “If they fail to take action, come to me directly.” Finally, the Lahore High Court recommended heavy fines instead of FIRs for traffic violations and postponed further action until next week.