Katas Raj case: Cement factories agree to find alternate water source

Pakistan's Supreme Court today wrapped up the Katas Raj temple pond case after local cement factories owners pledged to find alternative sources of water and pay for the water they use until then.

The court in November last year took suo motu notice of the issue of drying up of the sacred pond in the historic Katas Raj temple complex in Chakwal district of Punjab, considered by the followers of Hindu religion a sacred place.

Media reported that the sacred pond was depleting fast due to over exploitation of under ground water by cement factories near the pond.

A three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice (CJP) Saqib Nisar, heard the case.

The owners of Bestway Cement and DG Khan Cement agreed to submit Rs 2 billion - Rs 1.5 billion by Bestway and 0.5 billion by DG Khan - as bank security until they are able to find an alternate source of water.

They also agreed to build a small dam in the area, the outflow of which will be maintained in a way that the pond at Katas Raj is not adversely affected.

They also proposed to pay Punjab government for the water that they use until they found alternate sources of water.

The Chief Justice accepted the proposals and said that the factories should not cause pollution in the area and also ensure that the pond in Katas Raj temple is filled through natural means.

The Katas Raj temple is one of the holiest sites in Hindu mythology.

The name 'Katas' is derived from Kataksha, a Sanskrit word meaning 'tearful eyes'. According to legend, the pond was formed after Lord Shiva wept upon the death of his wife Satti