The Lahore High Court has issued a written order following the recent hearing of the smog mitigation case, mandating the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to declare a water emergency in Punjab and to prepare a summary for the Punjab Cabinet’s discussion on the matter.

Justice Shahid Karim highlighted the urgent nature of the situation, as the DG PDMA submitted a report addressing the critical water scarcity in the region.

The report included alerts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, which warned of drought conditions across Punjab, particularly noting a severe deficit of water in rivers and a troubling state of underground water resources. The court emphasized the need for stakeholders to take immediate action.

The order further advised the formation of a committee to enhance coordination among various institutions with the PDMA, responsible for reporting on the water conservation measures being undertaken.

The PDMA has been tasked with ensuring the water emergency is officially declared, and the DG PDMA has been ordered to forward a summary to the Punjab Cabinet for further evaluation.

The order revealed that a representative from the Punjab government presented an order from the Joint Registrar of Cooperative Societies Lahore, instructing all cooperative societies to implement immediate water-saving measures.

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In another important directive, the court indicated that the cooperative department would issue new regulations regarding the use of pipes in residential areas and impose a ban on vehicle washing.

The forthcoming order is expected to stipulate fines for both residents and the management of the respective cooperative societies.

The Lahore High Court has adjourned the case until April 11, with the DG PDMA instructed to provide the summary to the Punjab Cabinet for discussions related to the water emergency.