CJP resents water companies for selling ‘free of cost’ water at higher rates

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday took suo motu notice of the exploitation of ground water by mineral water companies.

Hearing the Katas Raj case, the chief justice sought data regarding water usage by these companies from concerned departments.

Water is very precious for us. Mineral water companies are acquiring water free of cost after installing turbines and then selling it at exorbitant prices he remarked, adding that all possible measures will be taken to preserve water.

He directed the attorney general and all advocate generals to convey his directives to mineral water companies and submit the data by Friday night.

Secretary Local Government informed the court that the formula has been determined to charge the cement factories for usage of groundwater.

However, the chief justice remarked that they were not targeting any particular cement factory but will take action against all factories responsible for environment pollution.

“Now water will not be sold free, it is as precious as gold,” remarked the CJP.

He directed Punjab Food Authority to seek report from all the companies much water they are using and how much they are paying for it.

“They are extracting water and selling it, someone should tell whether these companies are paying for it or not?” he said.

The chief justice said that the case will be heard on Saturday in the Lahore registry.

Later, the chief justice visited the Katas Raj and inquired about the dried up pond at the site considered sacred for Hindus. He said that it is the right of minorities that their holy places should be protected.

The top judge inquired from the people about water and environment related issues caused by the cement factory. He also reviewed the scarcity of water caused due to cement factories in Fatah Jang.