LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday expressed its concern over the reckless use of water and urged the government to take necessary steps to address the issue.

Justice Shahid Karim, hearing public interest petitions for measures to control smog, observed that an alarming situation could arise if snowfall does not occur this year.

The judge emphasised the urgency for the government to declare a water emergencyimmediately and sought a report on drought-like conditions in some areas at the next hearing.

The judge remarked that if the court and the water commission had to undertake all tasks, other institutions should be shut down.

Highlighting the depleting underground water levels, the judge reiterated his earlier directives that no houses on house on plots measuring 10 marlas or above should be constructed without a water recycling plant.

Justice Karim also criticised the Provincial DisasterManagement Authority (PDMA) for failing to address the critical water shortage issue and questioned the authority`s utility if the judiciary had to intervene in every matter.

The judge instructed the government to formulate longterm policies for water conservation.

A counsel for the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) informed the court that efforts were underway to install water meters, starting with commercial properties before moving to residential ones.

The judge stressed the need to increase water tariffs for car wash services and showrooms due to their excessive water usage.

Regarding school bus exemptions, the judge observed that the authority to grant such exemptions should not rest with a single officer. Such matters should be decided according to the established laws or policies to ensure transparency and consistency, he added.

The judge adjourned further hearing till Jan 31 and directed all relevant authorities to present updates on measures to combat water scarcity and environmental degradation effectively.