SUO MOTU CASE NO,13 OF 2010: In the matter of (SM Action regarding
This suo motu action was initiated by the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding the environmental pollution of Rawal Lake, which affects the supply of pure water to citizens in Rawalpindi and surrounding suburbs. The core legal question was whether appropriate statutory measures were being implemented by environmental authorities to prevent water pollution and enforce environmental standards. The Supreme Court disposed of the petition upon perusal of a submitted compliance report and after recording the statement of the Additional Advocate General promising necessary remedial actions. The Court directed the concerned department to continuously monitor measures for maintaining a pollution-free lake, required the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab to lodge future complaints before the Environmental Tribunal, and mandated periodic site visits and reports to the Court Registrar. Furthermore, the DG Environment was directed to inspect specified violations near Kahuta Triangle alongside counsel and take legal action against responsible parties, reiterating the statutory duty of environmental agencies to proactively enforce environmental protection laws.
- What action must environmental protection authorities take when pollution threatens a public water source?
- Where should future complaints regarding environmental violations be lodged by the Director General of EPA Punjab?
ORDER
1. ' IFTIKHAR MUHAMMAD CHAUDHRY, C.J.---In pursuance of our earlier order report has been submitted wherein some findings and solutions have been recorded. The learned Additional Advocate General stated that improvement shall be made and the Rawal Lake shall be made pollution free by adopting all necessary measures. In view of the report and the statement made in the Court we are of the opinion that let the concerned Department actually monitor the steps being taken in order to make the Rawal Lake pollution free so that pure water is supplied to the citizens of Rawalpindi and suburbs. In future if there is any complaint the same shall be lodged before the Environmental Tribunal by the DG, EPA Punjab. He is also directed to visit off and on Rawal Lake and submit report to the Registrar about its affairs for our perusal in ChambeRs, Mr. Waheed Anjum learned counsel of this Court has pointed out violation of the environmental laws near Kahuta Triangle. The DG Environment is directed to establish contract with Mr. Waheed Anjum and in his presence visit the said place in order to take action against the responsible persons in accordance with law. The petition stands disposed of.