The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to accelerate the installation of water meters throughout Lahore, aiming to curb excessive water use and preserve the city’s rapidly depleting groundwater resources.
The order came during a hearing on multiple petitions concerning environmental degradation, smog control, and water conservation. Justice Shahid Karim, who presided over the session, expressed serious concern over unchecked water wastage, calling for swift and decisive action.
“The installation of water meters is no longer optional — it is essential to stop this unchecked wastage,” remarked Justice Karim. He emphasized the need for accountability in both residential and commercial water usage.
Justice Karim also criticized the Environmental Protection Force for failing to achieve its core objective. “If stubble is still being burned along the motorway, then what purpose does this force serve?” he questioned, instructing authorities to deploy the force in environmental hotspots where violations are frequent.
Various government agencies presented their progress reports to the court. Justice Karim also supported the Judicial Water and Environment Commission’s recommendation to involve prayer leaders from mosques in water conservation campaigns to help spread public awareness.
In a related decision, the court barred the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) from approving new residential constructions larger than one kanal unless they include a water treatment plant in the design.
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