SC directs for preservation of underground water

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the government to protect the  underground water and to enact legislation for fixation of price and its  usage.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Umar  Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Faisal Arab and Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan,  heard the suo moto notice case regarding selling of bottled  water, extracted  from the ground without any charge and its fitness for human consumption.

During the course of proceedings, the court directed the Attorney General  for Pakistan to submit recommendations after consultation with all four  Advocate Generals.

The bench remarked that all interested respondents can submit their  suggestions to the Attorney General.

The bench observed that Qurshi Industries had adopted such a  mechanism that underground water did not waste. The other industries  and mineral water companies should also examine the plant installed  by Qurshi Industries, it added.

The court also directed the Environment Protection Agency to submit  its suggestions to the Attorney General.

The court also maintained that  companies would pay bill according to  meters till final legislation over the matter.

Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan also clarified that the review petitions filed by  companies was not a stay order.

He observed that the the court would examine the review petitions  after legislation.

Later, hearing of the case was adjourned for four weeks.