Court Mandates Operational Cost Approvals, License Reviews, and Quality Testing to Enhance Public Health and Resource Management
The Sindh High Court has issued a comprehensive detailed order addressing the implementation of taxes on groundwater usage and regulating the water industry. This ruling marks a significant development in water resource management and public health concerns in the region.
In a groundbreaking decision, the court has mandated that, effective immediately, the operational costs of all development projects across province must be approved prior to the PC-4 stage. The court emphasized that operational costs and SNE approval for all projects will be mandatory before presenting the PC-4 project completion report.
The High Court has directed both federal and provincial governments to review licenses issued to water production companies. Additionally, relevant authorities have been ordered to visit water companies and conduct laboratory tests on their products.
Clarifying the distinction between mineral water and bottled water, the court has instructed companies to clearly label their products accordingly. The ruling also imposes a ban on extracting underground water without official permission throughout Sindh. All union councils and corporations have been directed to take action against those illegally extracting groundwater.
The court has asked to submit detailed information on the completion of projects for establishing laboratories in province. It has also sought details from the Health Secretary regarding dialysis machines and staff across the region.
Jam Khan Shoro, Minister for Irrigation and Chairman of the Food Authority was present in court room, he revealed that some foreign companies have been found selling substandard water. He announced plans for an awareness campaign against substandard plastic bottles and poor-quality water.
According to the Food Authority, there are four hundred registered water and bottle manufacturing companies in Sindh.
The court has adjourned further hearings on the petition until 3rd October, 2024.
This comprehensive ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for water resource management, public health standards, and the regulation of the water industry in Sindh.
