LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday expressed concern over the discharge of polluted water by tanneries and warned of their closure if they did not install water treatment plants.

Justice Shahid Karim issued the warning while hearing various public interest petitions of a similar nature related to environmental pollution.

The judge voiced his concern over the discharge of polluted water by tanneries and remarked that such practices were resulting in birth of chil-dren with disabilities. `This issue has been ongoing for a long time and must be resolved,` said Justice Karim.

The judge said any industry harmful to public health was not needed. He directed the Lahore commissioner that the issue of tanneries in Kasur must be resolved on a permanent basis.

The judge also sought a report regarding the felling of trees in Sheikhupura motorway area and in Lahore.

During the hearing, a report was submitted on the stubble burning, revealing that fines had been imposed on those responsible.

The judge warned if the guiltypersons failed to pay fine the electricity supply to their tube wells could be disconnected.

The judge observed that only God can protect the agriculture department.

He ordered imposition of a Rs15,000 fine per acre on the farmers involved in stubble burning.

Separately, a Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) lawyer informed the court that the agency had decided to purchase 10,000 water meters from its own budget and had requested an additional 200,000 meters from the government.

As a representative of the judicial commission told the court that Wasa had made significantprogress on underground water tanks, Justice Karim appreciated the agency`s performance and remarked that its initiative to preserve rainwater was commendable.

The Wasa`s counsel stated that an underground water tank was now being constructed at Lahoresabzi mandi(vegetable market) as well.

He added that plans aer in place to construct underground water tanks wherever there was an extra vacant space available on the government offices premises.

The judge directed the Wasa to submit a report on water meters at every hearing.