WASA given 180 days to install water treatment plants

Industrial waste is being disposed of into Paharang and Samundri drains.

FAISALABAD:

The Environment Protection Department on Tuesday gave 180 days to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to install water treatment plants at Paharang and Samundri drains.

The warning notices were issued by District Officer Mian Muhammad Nawaz, who said the agency will face prosecution before an environmental tribunal if the treatment plants were not installed during this time.

Talking to The Express Tribune, he said people living along the Samundri and Paharang drains had been facing problems since Wasa had allowed several factories and mills in the area to discharge their effluents as well as sewerage water into the two drains. He said the waste was being disposed of without being treated.

He said the Wasa had been repeatedly directed to install water treatment plants on these drains to alleviate problems faced by the residents, but they did not pay any heed to these requests. “Now, we have given the WASA 180 days. A case would be filed against them in the environmental tribunal if they do no comply. We will ensure that a heavy fine is imposed on them in case of non-adherence,” he said. He said the Wasa had also been directed to improve sewerage system at Maqbool Road and ensure timely de-silting of the drain, removal of garbage and provision of safe drinking water to the people.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 5^th, 2014.