Restore original width of Jhelum within 2 weeks or face action: HC to govt

High court has slammed the government for failing to remove encroachments from the river Jhelum and granted two weeks time to restore river Jhelum to its actual width.
A division bench said if government works on such a slow pace, it will take decades for them to remove encroachment from the river and restoring it to its original width.
Earlier, the government informed the court that it has got the actual width of the entire river Jhelum from South to North.
On this, court observed that despite knowing the actual width now, the government has not even demarcated the river till date.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the government functioning, court said it is pained by the insensitive approach adopted by authorities for non-compliance of the court directions.
“We are deferring action against authorities on passionate submissions made by Additional Advocate General,” the court observed and granted two weeks time to government to remove encroachments from the river.
The court, however, warned authorities that action will be taken against the officers if encroachments were not removed within two weeks.
The bench said lost glory of river Jhelum and all other water bodies including Padhahi Bagh canal has to be restored to its original position.
Court said Deputy Commissioners of the districts, where from the river Jhelum flows, shall be personally responsible for implementing the court orders.
It granted last opportunity to officials and engineers to comply with the court directions.