DHA's report sought: four points pollute beach where people visit frequently: SWC

Sindh Water Commission (SWC) on Tuesday directed the relevant officials of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) to submit their original plan of treatment plants for outfall of waste water into the sea identifying the specific planned areas. The DHA's Adviser Projects Major Shaukat Alvi (retd) and Additional Director Engineering Projects Colonel Tariq Mahmood (retd) appeared in proceedings of the one-man judicial commission on water issues (SWC) and apprised that originally, there was a functional treatment plant, but it was abandoned/not allowed to function after the scheme was handed over to the Cantonment Board.
The commission headed by the former Judge Amir Hani Muslim also sought the details of working treatment plant, if there is any in the area of their jurisdiction. The commission has taken notice of draining of waste water into the sea which falls in the jurisdiction of DHA.
During the visit of the area, the SWC had learnt about four points where untreated waste water's outfall in the sea was allowed. These four points are located alongside Sea View and road from Dua Restaurant/China Town to Do Darya Food Area. It observed these four points contaminate the beach, which is frequently visited by the people and 'it is pathetic.'
The commission (SWC) also sought details of quantity of waste water falling into Sea as well as required treatment. It also directed them to submit all these details before May 15, 2018. The SWC also took exception to the non-compliance of its orders by Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) noticing that KWSB's Managing Director failed to comply with many of the directives issued, previously.
It called for his appearance on May 14, 2018 with the plausible explanation, otherwise the KWSB's MD would be subjected to prosecution. It also directed him that all previous orders of the commission (SWC) should be complied within seven days. The commissions' Focal Person Asif Hyder Shah was assigned to gather all these orders from record and communicate to MD KWSB. He was also asked that in case of non-compliance, he should fix responsibility and report to the commission on May 15, 2018.
About cleaning of storm water drains, commission said it must begin immediately after the completion of codal formalities. Karachi Metropolitan Commissioner informed that services of technical experts were hired to make cleaning process purposeful. Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar told the SWC that debris in the drains besides Empress Market Saddar should be removed and contractor be directed to remove his plant and material from the drain. He requested that DMCs should also be directed to clean smaller nullahs.
The SWC directed KMC to clean roads and footpaths in Empress Market and ordered Police and other concerned agencies to extend their support, in this regard. "This should be done after issuing notice to everyone and entire surroundings of Empress Market including footpaths and main roads should be cleared within a week," SWC directed.
The SWC alerted that Deputy Commissioner South and the SSP would be held responsible if these roads and footpaths are encroached in future. About random parking of vehicles outside buildings, commission directed Sindh Building Control Authority and Cantonment Board to ensure that parking sites are not utilized for any purpose other than parking. It also directed that site specified for parking be cleared. It urged that parking facilities should be provided within commercial and residential buildings rather than parking the vehicles outside.