RAWALPINDI: In a significant development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench has invalidated the notification issued by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to acquire 1,200 acres of land in the Losar suburb of Rawalpindi district to dump Islamabad’s waste.
The court’s decision came in response to petitions filed by 10 concerned citizens and 14 brick kiln owners, who raised valid objections against the CDA’s decision.
The court not only nullified the notification but also refrained the garrison city’s administration from allocating any land for the establishment of a dumping ground for the capital city.
The LHC’s decision was influenced by a report submitted by the Punjab Environment Protection Department, which emphasized the potential dangers associated with the proposed dumping ground for both the local population and the underground water resources.
Citing the report, the court declared that the establishment of a garbage dumping ground should not be imposed on any area against the will of the residents.
It stressed the importance of respecting public opinion and adhering to proper procedures in line with environmental regulations and the Constitution.
The court further highlighted that if the government intends to establish a dumping ground, it must follow a legally prescribed process.
This involves advertising the proposal for public opinion, conducting a public hearing under the Environmental Protection Department, considering the views of the local community, and making a decision based on merit and compliance with the law and the constitution.
The petitions argued that the area has already been suffering from various diseases, including cancer, tuberculosis, and respiratory illnesses, while the groundwater has been contaminated due to the presence of the landfill.
The court had previously ordered the relocation of the dumping ground, and the district administration had acquired 1,250 acres of land on Chak Belli Khan Road to comply with the court’s directive.
However, the caretaker Punjab government, upon assuming power, issued a notification to acquire an additional 1,200 acres of land in Losar for dumping the waste generated from Islamabad.
In light of these arguments and concerns, the petitioner’s counsel argued that it is unjustifiable to dump Islamabad’s garbage in other districts.
Furthermore, the court remarked that it also poses a threat to the local population, increases the spread of infectious diseases, and pollutes underground water sources.
Source: Tribune
