The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the refilling of Katas Raj pond in Chakwal.
The top court heard the case pertaining to the depleted Katas Raj pond in Chakwal – a revered site for Hindus which is said to have depleted due to operations of several cement factories in the vicinity that have sucked out the underground water.
During hearing of the case at Lahore registry, Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar ordered the cement factories to submit a report regarding water being used in the factories. He further directed the Chakwal deputy commissioner to find out where the factories were getting the water from. “The depleted Katas Raj pond next to the temple should be refilled,” he remarked, adding, “Even if you have to take water tankers, take them but fill up the pond.”
At an earlier hearing of the case, the Supreme Court had barred cement factories from using potable water, besides admonishing them for putting their profits before the environment. In November last year, the top court had taken notice of reports that the pond next to the Katas Raj temple was drying up because cement factories nearby were allegedly drawing a large amount of water.
Published in Daily Times, November 17th 2018.
