Non-essential use of underground water banned

LAHORE:In compliance with the orders of the Lahore High Court (LHC), the Punjab Environmental Agency (EPA) has imposed a ban on non-essential use of underground water and violators, including car wash/service stations will have to face heavy fines.

An order issued by EPA DG on Thursday stated that the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has highlighted that Punjab province has experienced 42% below normal rainfall from 1st September, 2024 to 15th January, 2025.

It added that the Lahore High Court has issued multiple orders to take strict measures to conserve water by restricting its non-essential usage, including car wash / service stations, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations related to water conservation. During a recent hearing, while stressing the water conservation practice, the LHC passed an order dated 07.02.2025 that ‘It is directed that the entire process will be overseen by EPA’.

This will include a concerted effort to inspect petrol pumps regarding operation of recycling plants, the EPA DG’s order said, adding in case the petrol pumps were found to be lacking in their obligations in this regard, they shall be sealed with no more than one warning.

‘Thereafter, a fine of Rs100,000/- shall be imposed on the defaulting petrol pumps. Simultaneously, a campaign shall be initiated and this shall be directed to be undertaken by the Chief Secretary, Punjab informing the general public regarding water conservation as also that the government had taken a decision imposing of complete ban on the use of water for washing of cars and use of hose pipes in the houses. Anyone found in violation of these directions will be imposed a fine of Rs10,000.’

EPA DG stated that Section 6(1)(r) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act 1997 mandated specifying safeguards for the prevention of accidents and disasters which may cause pollution, collaborate with the person concerned in the preparation of contingency plans for control of such accidents and disasters, and co-ordinate implementation of such plans.

He said Section 6(1)(t) of The Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997 empowered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab to take all necessary measures for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the environment, prevention and control of pollution, and promotion of sustainable development.

‘THEREFORE, I, Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh (PAS), Director General, Environmental Protection Agency, Punjab, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 6(1)(t) of the Punjab Environmental Protection Act, 1997 and order issued by Lahore High Court in WP No. 227807/2018 (Haroon Farooq Vs GoPb) dated 07-02-2025 do hereby order the following restrictions and measures for water conservation in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab: i) Immediate closure of all illegal / unapproved car wash / service stations ii) mandatory installation of carwash wastewater recycling system and U-Channels at all car wash stations by 28 February, 2025. In case the petrol pumps are found to be lacking in their obligations in this regard, fine of Rs100,000/- shall be imposed on the defaulting petrol pumps, in addition to sealing of car wash area; iii) Ban on use of oil washing of vehicles; iv) Ban on the use of water for washing of cars and use of hose pipes in the houses.

Anyone found in violation of these directions will be imposed a fine of Rs10,000/-; v) Ban on flood irrigation of lawns, gardens, golf courses and greenbelts; vi) Ban on use of groundwater in construction activities. Only surface water / recycled water can be used. This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until modified or withdrawn, EPA DG said and concluded that any violation of this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), in addition to fines mentioned above.