SC of Pakistan orders factories to fill water in Temple ponds

Islamabad Dec 13: Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a local cement factory to fill water in the pond of Katas Raj temple in Chakwal within a week, taking cognisance of reports that such factories had caused the drying of the water body.

The Bestway Cement factory, which was asked to fill the pond of the Hindu shrine, is one of the four major cement production units in the area. A three-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar is hearing a suo motu case based on media reports that the pond is drying out due to water consumption by these factories.

The factories are reportedly draining the pond through a number of wells which have reduced the subsoil water level the created shortages for domestic users as well.

On Wednesday, the bench expressed anger over the continued absence of Bestway Cement's counsel.