LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday stayed work on all projects in the Central Business District (CBD) and also ordered an inquiry against the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority in the wake of the flooding of Kalma Chowk underpass with the rainwater.

Earlier, a legal counsel for the CBD presented an inquiry report before the court regarding the accumulation of rainwater in the underpass that connects the business district.

However, Justice Shahid Karim rejected the report and also expressed his displeasure over the allocationofhugefundsforthe projects of the CBD.

The judge observed that the government released billions of rupees funds from the public money as if it were only a few pennies. The judge also expressed concern over the inauguration of the business district and its projects in a haphazard manner.

The judge noted that the inquiry discussed the role of all officials but wrote not a single word about the responsibility of the CBD CEO.

Justice Karim observed that rainwater did not accumulate in the underpasses constructed by the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) but Kalma Chowk underpasses, which was constructed by the CBD, was flooded in the very first rain after its opening.

The judge took notice of the damage caused to the houses near the CBD due to the rainwater and ordered the deputy commissioner to ensure com-pensation to the affected residents.

The CBD counsel told the court that the caretaker chief minister constituted an inquiry committee on the flooding of the underpass. He requested the judge not to stay the work in the business district as it would increase the cost of the ongoing projects.

However, Justice Karim turned down the request and observed that the court would review its decision after submission of the inquiry report.

The judge also ordered an inquiry against the CBD CEO under the supervision of the provincial secretary of the department concerned.

The judge adjourned the hearing till a date to be fixed in September.

The judge had taken notice of the accumulation of rainwater in the newly-constructed Kalma underpass for the CBD during the first spell of monsoon in the city.