Islamabad: The Supreme Court has ordered the closing down of privately owned tubewells and the removal of encroachments in the Korangi River storm drain in Islamabad, according to a news report. These measures were taken after it was determined the capital was suffering from a mild drought.
This was decided after a hearing about water shortage on Thursday, which was presided over by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and attended by senior city officials of the capital, including the chief commissioner, cantonment board officer and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman. Nisar stated that the capital required 120 million gallons of water daily, but only 58.7 gallons are being supplied. He also acerbically commented on the prevalence of water tankers in the city. The court ordered tubewell owners to close down their tubewells, and the authorities were instructed to ensure this took place. In addition, the court also directed authorities to demolish illegal encroachments in Korangi River in Bani Gala.
