Sindh govt earns SC's ire for failing to make effluent treatment plants operational

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday came down hard on Sindh government for failing to make effluent treatment plants operational and observed that untreated sewage was being dumped into the sea, playing havoc with marine life.

The Chief Justice, who headed a three-judge bench, made this observation while hearing a case pertaining to environmental pollution at the apex court’s Karachi registry.

He further observed that 450 million gallons of untreated water was being dumped into the sea everyday since no sewage treatment plant was operational in the city.

Advocate General Zameer Ghumro informed the bench that work on the plants was underway and they will soon be made operational.

The Sindh chief secretary informed that the treatment plants will be installed in five industrial zones of the city to treat effluent before its disposal into the sea.

The bench directed the provincial authorities to come up with a report, outlining a time frame for the completion of these plants.

The CJP said the provincial authorities will have to sign affidavit vis-à-vis time frame for making the plants functional and warned if these plants were not made functional within the time frame, contempt of court proceedings will be initiated against them.

He said the court will cooperate with the provincial government for resolution of problems and it will continue to discharge its duties in line with the country’s constitution.

The CJP clarified that the court will not compromise on the issues involving fundamental rights of citizens.

The hearing of the case adjourned till Dec 23.