The lake has been contaminated from dumping of sewage. PHOTO: FILE
A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Amir Hani Muslim, also ordered the district and sessions judges of Jamshoro and Dadu to appoint civil judges to conduct surprise visits and supervise the installation of RO plants by the federal and provincial authorities to ensure provision of potable water to nearby residents.
The lake has been contaminated due to the discharge of untreated waste.
The bench, that comprises Justices Mushir Alam and Khilji Arif Hussain, was hearing a human rights case relating to the growing contamination in Manchar Lake, the largest freshwater reservoir in the country.
At the outset, the judges took serious notice of the absence of the federal finance and planning secretaries, who were previously issued notices to show-cause as to why contempt proceedings may not be initiated against them for not implementing the court's orders to release funds for completion of the Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) I and III.
The bench, irritated at their absence, ordered the additional attorney general to ensure the attendance of both officers, warning to issue non-bailable warrants in case they fail to comply with the order.
Sindh's irrigation secretary also filed a report in court, informing that 35 RO plants had been installed in localities adjoining Manchar Lake to ensure the supply of potable water.
However, the judges expressed their dissatisfaction over the report, observing that all the plants had been installed on a political basis, as they were not installed where residents needed them the most.
The also directed to depute civil judges to get the RO plants installed under their supervision after due verification of the localities.
The incomplete RBOD project had wreaked havoc, observed the bench, adding that while the authorities were busy ‘calling meetings’, fertile lands were turned barren and people were dying.
"Around 80% of the projects initiated in Sindh are not looked after properly and that is ruining the initiatives," remarked Justice Amir Hani Muslim. A mechanical person was made project-director, but there is no one to question his merit, the bench noted.
Meanwhile, Sindh chief secretary Siddique Memon assured the bench that competent officers will be posted [from now on].
However, the bench noted with serious concern that apparently no service structure exists in the province as neither appointments are made on merit, nor competent officers are made directors of projects. Even the chairperson of the public service commission is not competent for the post, nor do its members fulfill the criteria, the bench added.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2016.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ