LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday directed the civic authorities to arrange alternative routes for citizens before commencing development projects.

`It is unacceptable to dig up roads and then forget about them,` Justice Shahid Karim remarked during a weekly hearing of petitions regarding environmental issues.

The director general and managing director of Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) appeared before the court.

The judge asked the Wasa officials whether they had seen the condition of Lahore, regretting that people were being affected due to delays in development works in the city.

The Wasa officials said all projects were being carried out for the welfare of the public.

Justice Karim observed that undertaking drainage works was fine, but the authorities must provide alternative routes for the people before launching such initiatives.

The judge noted that people should have unrestricted access to their businesses and homes.

The judge further remarked that it was good that the Wasa had become an authority, but it came with more responsibility. `All of you are public servants and it is your duty to serve the people,` the judge reminded the officials.

The judge directed the authorities to ensure no development work commences until alternative arrangements are made and contractors must be bound to take these measures.

The judge said proper arrangements for alternative traffic routes should also be made before digging up roads.

Justice Karim expressed regret that the environment protection department remained a silent spectator despite having a crucial role in such projects.

He said if it doesn`t rain, the air quality becomes very poor due to dust.

The hearing was adjourned for the next week.