The single bench of Islamabad High Court comprising Justice Mohammad Ramzan Chaudhry here on Thursday during hearing of writ against ban on motor-boating business at Rawal Lake View Park remarked that the authorities seemed too much concerned about pollution in the Lake, but who would take pains to net pollution being spread by vehicles on city roads!
Expressing his dismay over Justice Chaudhry remarked it was strange that a motor scooter which was a source of recreation to public had been creating pollution but nobody cared for the pollution generating vehicles. The bench adjourned hearing till May 4 after ordering Director Parks CDA and Manger Rawal Lake View Park CDA to appear in person on next date of hearing.
The bench in its order also allowed the respondents to submit parawise comments upon the subject within couple of days. Federal counsel Malik Ishtiaq Ahmed and Misbah Farooq advocate prayed to court for grant of some time to submit comments and seek instructions from the high ups on the issue. The single bench was hearing a writ moved by Rashid Masood through Ghulam Farooq advocate.
The counsel for petitioner apprised the bench that he made an investment of Rs 10 million and brought environment friendly motor sports equipment for recreational purpose at Rawal Lake. He said the Yamaha equipment was purchased according to rules laid down by Environmental Protection Act 2006 and CARB standards. Moreover, he was regularly paying an amount of Rs 1,000 on water scooter, Rs 500 on paddle boat and Rs 2,500 on sports boat per month, he added.
He said the motorboats were being run on four-stroke engine and these were regarded as environ-friendly but the concerned authorities imposed a ban expressing their fear that the equipment was polluting Lake waters. He contended that ban by the concerned authorities was unjustified and incurring huge loss to business.
He said the act by concerned authorities was a violation of Article 18 of the Constitution which guaranteed every citizen's right to lawful business, trade and profession. Farooq has also moved an application showing results of water monitoring agency, which declared Rawal Lake waters as pollution free. Director General Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PakEPA), Chairman Capital Development Authority, Director Parks CDA and Park Manger Rawal Lake have been made respondents.