SHC seeks replies over effluent discharge in water bodies
PHOTO: FILE
The Sindh High Court issued notices on Friday to the Sindh chief secretary, local government secretary and other authorities on a plea filed in connection with the release of toxic waste in the Indus River and Manchhar Lake.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Kausar Sultana Hussain, issued the notices after the petitioner stated that the release of effluents into the water bodies was "a matter of citizens' lives."
On his assertion that toxic waste was being discharged into the Indus River and Manchhar Lake, Justice Siddiqui inquired whether he had any evidence to prove his claim.
"It has been reported by newspapers that drinking water from these bodies is found to be contaminated and poses a risk to citizens' lives," the petitioner replied.
At this, Justice Siddiqui remarked, "Under which law can the SHC issue a notice [on the matter]?"
"It is a matter of citizens' lives," the petitioner pleaded.
Following this contention, the court issued notices to the Sindh chief secretary, local government secretary and other authorities, seeking their replies on the plea within four weeks.
The bench also sought the secretaries' and other authorities' replies on a separate plea pertaining to the discharge of untreated toxic wastewater into the sea.
As per the petitioner, the release of untreated wastewater into the sea can harm marine life, while effluent treatment plants installed near the sea remain dysfunctional.
Dilapidated graveyards
Besides, the secretaries' and other authorities' replies were sought on a plea filed in connection with the decrepit condition of graveyards in Karachi in the aftermath of rains.
The same bench was hearing the plea stating that neither the provincial, nor the local government had taken any measures to restore graveyards, where graves had been damaged due to downpours. The petitioner moved the court to direct relevant authorities to take measures for draining rainwater collected in graveyards and repair damaged graves.
At this, the court issued notices to the secretaries and other authorities, seeking their replies on the plea within four weeks.
Motorway construction in limbo
At another hearing, the bench issued notices to the prime minister's principal secretary, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the National Highway Authority and other relevant authorities on a plea pertaining to delays in the construction of a part of motorway extending from Multan to Hyderabad.
According to the petitioner, a motorway connecting Multan and Hyderabad was supposed to be built during the previous government's tenure. While the construction between Multan and Sukkur has been completed, part of the road connecting Sukkur and Hyderabad was yet to be constructed, he said. Work on it was suspended, he added, moving the court to seek details on the issue from relevant authorities.
At this, the court issued notices to the PM's principal secretary, Sindh CM, the NHA and other authorities. It also sought the attorney general's reply on the plea within four weeks.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2020.