SHC directs police to save ecology, topography
The court directed the police officer to ensure this by strictly enforcing a ban on the removal of sand, mouram [red earth], gravel, limestone, etc, from the entire Karachi division.
Justice Amir Hani Muslim was hearing the suit filed by Muhammad Hafeez Jan Sarhandi, a contractor for royalty in Thatta district.
The plaintiff moved the court against the alleged misuse of the permission given to level the ground but was instead used for removing sand, silica, etc., which are construction materials in great demand.
On Wednesday, Mines and Mineral Development director-general and secretary were present during the hearing.
The secretary informed the court that a ban exists on the removal of reti (sand) from Malir district but this business has been continuing since long.
He also said that he has addressed a number of letters to relevant officials but no improvement came about.
The director-general also pointed out that the ban was imposed in Malir district to save Karachi’s ecology and this unauthorised removal of reti and bajri has caused damages to bridges as well.
After the statements, Muslim disposed of the suit and ordered the PPO to implement the ban. He warned that the PPO will be held responsible and a notice will be issued to him in case of a violation.
Referring to red earth, Muslim said that it cannot be established if the lifting of such items will not affect the ecology of Karachi, therefore, it cannot give permission to market it.
“This ban, according to Mines and Mineral Development secretary, has been imposed not only on Malir district but also in all the districts of Karachi to safeguard the rights of its habitants. Such complaints in future will expose authorities of police department to contempt proceedings,” said Justice Muslim.
He directed the office to fax a copy of the judgment to the PPO for information and compliance.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2011.
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