The Lahore High Court has sounded the alarm on Pakistan’s worsening water crisis, urging the government to declare a water emergency and crack down on water wastage. Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the need for drastic measures, citing the alarming rate at which Lahore’s water levels are plummeting.
The court’s directives are clear: the Punjab Housing Authority (PHA) must take immediate action to prevent water wastage, and a timetable must be established for tube wells in cities. The court also stressed the need to address the water crisis in Cholistan, where water scarcity is exacerbating the problems faced by local communities.
To combat water wastage, the court ordered that:
- Water recycling plants must be installed in buildings to conserve water.
- Final notices should be issued to large housing societies that waste water.
- Societies where cars are washed with pipes should be sealed.
The court’s concerns are not unfounded. Pakistan’s water crisis is real, and the consequences of inaction will be severe. As Justice Shahid Karim noted, the country would be facing drought-like conditions were it not for the recent monsoon rains.
The Lahore High Court’s directives are a wake-up call for the government and citizens alike. It’s time for Pakistan to take its water crisis seriously and work towards a more sustainable future.
