CJ reprimands officials over pollution

CJ observed that polluting waters in Manchar lake are depriving thousands of fishermen of their income.

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Friday observed that polluting waters in Manchar lake were depriving thousands of fishermen of their income were and that these were worst precedents of human rights violations.

Heading a three-member bench, he said the figures of affected people were higher than the estimated 50,000. He observed that pollution by the industrial units in the lake was also affecting the marine life and agricultural lands badly. “We have brought death ourselves. Why people responsible not being proceeded in accordance with law,” he said while reprimanding officials of the Sindh Irrigation department and WAPDA. He also warned that such pollution would not be allowed in sea waters.

The bench also rejected a report of the irrigation department and observed that treatment plants should be installed by concerned authorities. The bench did not agree with officials concerned that the funds allocated for the purpose had been spent. Both departments were directed to submit their reports till August.

Justice Khalilur Rehman Ramday and Justice Mohammad Sair Ali were the other members of the bench.

According to environmentalists, Manchar lake in Dadu district of Sindh, the largest freshwater reserve in Asia, is heading towards a painful death.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 24^th, 2010.