There will be no compromise on Katas Raj temple, observes SC

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that there will be no compromise on Katas Raj Temple near Chawkal.

While hearing the suo moto case regarding the drying of the pond at Katas Raj temple, he remarked that the pond at the historical temple should be filled at any cost even if people have to carry water in vessels to fill it, adding that nearby mills should be shut down if necessary.

The case was heard by a three-member bench, headed by CJP. “As an Islamic state, it is our responsibility to protect the rights of the minorities,” said CJP, stressing that the Hindu community has a special attachment to the temple.

The chief justice also said that the parliament and authorities are responsible for providing protection from pollution. If the authorities fail then the court will take action, he added.

CJP takes suo motu notice of depleting pond at Katas Raj Temples

Katas Raj comprises of Hindu temples, a Buddhist stupa and other historic relics situated around a lake that is deemed sacred by Hindus

“Clean water and clean air are important for life,” he said, urging that the cement factories affecting the environment. “We live in a country were mountains have been halved to make way for motorways.”

Cement factories are necessary but precautions need to be taken, he added.

CJP also directed Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf to form an investigation committee on the issue. He said that the attorney general should ask the federal and provincial governments to name people for the investigation committee.

The case has been adjourned until November 30 (Thursday). 

On November 2, CJP Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took a suo motu notice of the drying out of Katas Raj Temple pond in Chakwal.

The pre-historic fabled pond is said to be drying out because of the huge amount of water consumption in cement factories nearby.

The factories are reportedly sucking water through more than hundred drill bores, which have severely reduced the subsoil water level. That is beside the position that owing to the absence of proper water supply for the local areas of Katas Waulah and city Choa Saidan Shah, almost every home is depleting the water table by boring.

The problem is also caused by the unreasonable plantation of eucalyptus trees in the region.