SC annoyed over delays in installing sewage treatment plants

Court summons interior secretary in Bani Gala encroachment case

ISLAMABAD: If the government does not have a few million rupees to install a sewage treatment plant, it should go beg on D-Chowk for funds, said Supreme Court Justice Azmat Saeed. The Supreme Court on Thursday summoned the interior federal secretary in a case regarding the Bani Gala encroachments.

Moreover, a three-member bench of the apex court comprising Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the case. During the course of proceedings, the court expressed annoyance over non-installation of sewage treatment plants.

The court also sought a copy of the proposed suggestions from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) regarding changing of Islamabad's master plan.

Justice Bandial remarked that the civic body had to submit a report regarding changing of master plan but it still was not submitted.

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He asked how much time would be required for installation of treatment plant at Korang Nullah.

The counsel for CDA said that three treatment plants have been approved which would be installed in the next two years.

Justice Saeed inquired about whether there were any temporary plans for water treatment, and questioned why the government allowed people to build homes near the Korang Nullah. He remarked that people would also have to take steps to keep Korang Nullah clean.

The state counsel said due to a large number of illegal settlements along the Korang Nullah it cannot be abolished.

Justice Bandial remarked that if the law was implemented these illegal encroachments could be removed. Justice Saeed observed that the government showed its helplessness over removal of illegal populations.

The Environment Department director general said the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) did not implement recommendations of the Environment Department.

Justice Saeed asked the interior secretary to assist the court over the matter.

He directed the government to take short term initiatives to the resolve the matter regarding changing of the capital's master plan and to remove encroachments. The hearing of the case was then adjourned for one week.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 26^th, 2019.