Islamabad: The Katas-Raj case has been wrapped up by the Supreme Court on the note that the cement factories will find an alternative water source, according to a news report.
Back in November 2017, the Supreme Court had taken notice of drying up of the Katas Raj pond as cement factories were using the pond’s water for cement production. The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar. The bench concluded the case yesterday when Bestway Cement and DG Khan Cement agreed to submit PKR 1.5 billion and PKR 0.5 billion, respectively, as security until they could find another source of water.
Both cement producers have agreed to construct a dam in the area in a way that the water level in the Katas Raj pond will be maintained, while they’ll be paying the Punjab government for the water they use until then. The water tariff is yet to be decided. On the other hand, the CJP has asked the cement producers to improve their smoke exhaust systems as a way to reduce pollution in the area.
The court has also remarked that the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), a body responsible for maintenance of Hindu and Sikh religious sites and temples, should be from a minority group.
