Govt given three weeks to submit water supply plan for three Dadu talukas

The Sindh High Court (SHC) granted three weeks to the Sindh government to submit a plan regarding the supply of clean drinking water to three talukas of Dadu district. The Hyderabad Circuit Bench also summoned PPP MNA Rafique Jamali at the next hearing on April 18 to clarify how the funds allocated for development projects in his city have been utilised.

The court was hearing a petition filed by advocate Gulzar Ali Almani concerning the provision of clean drinking water to Johi, Khairpur Nathan Shah, and Mehar talukas of Dadu. At the previous hearing, the court had granted the government a two-month period to establish water testing labs to assess the quality of water from aquifers used for drinking in these talukas. The government was also directed to install solar-operated RO plants in rural areas.

However, the petitioner filed a contempt petition in the SHC, alleging non-compliance with its orders. During Friday's hearing, Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah appeared before the bench and informed the court that a committee had been formed in accordance with its orders.

Nevertheless, the bench remarked that committees are often formed to oversee activities, but the court expected to see tangible results. The chief secretary was asked to outline the implementation process and funding arrangements. The chief secretary requested three weeks to prepare a plan in line with the SHC's directives. Accepting his plea, the court adjourned the hearing to April 18.

Speaking to the media outside the court, the chief secretary stated that he would endeavour to submit a plan for the provision of drinking water to the three talukas of Dadu within 15 days. He expressed optimism that the plan would not merely remain on paper.

According to the petitioner, three oil and gas companies operate in these talukas but do not allocate adequate funds for water supply, education, and health. He alleged that although these companies have provided billions of rupees to the district administration, the funds are not being utilised for the welfare of the people.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2024.