The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a direct order to the District Development Authority (DDA) to undertake cleaning operations at Sukhatal Lake in Nainital. This directive came after photographs presented before the court exposed the deteriorating condition of this crucial waterbody, which acts as a primary catchment area for the larger Nainital Lake.
Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Based on Environmental Concerns
The court's involvement began suo motu, meaning on its own motion, after it received a letter from noted environmentalist Dr GP Sah and other concerned citizens. The letter raised significant alarms about the ongoing Rs 28-crore beautification project at Sukhatal Lake. Initially, the court had put a stay on the project in July but later revoked it upon the DDA's request, giving the authority a three-month deadline to complete the work and submit a report.
Commissioner Directed for Personal Inspection
During a hearing held on Wednesday via video conference, a division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay reviewed the photographic evidence. Deepak Rawat, the Kumaon Commissioner who also serves as the DDA Chairman, was in attendance. He informed the court about the progress, stating that a protective wall had been erected around the lake area. He also listed amenities like pathways, lifts, and a toilet block that were part of the beautification plan.
However, the bench remained unconvinced by the claims after seeing the pictures of the lake's current state. The judges explicitly asked Commissioner Rawat to personally visit and inspect Sukhatal Lake. Rawat, who had overseen the construction earlier, assured the court that he would visit the site again and provide his suggestions.
Next Hearing Scheduled for Monday
The High Court has set the next hearing in this case for Monday. This ongoing judicial monitoring underscores the critical ecological importance of Sukhatal Lake for the health of Nainital's iconic lake. The court's intervention highlights the gap between reported development work and the actual, on-ground condition of vital environmental assets.
The case represents a significant moment for environmental governance in Uttarakhand, where the judiciary is actively ensuring that development and beautification projects do not come at the cost of ecological preservation. The outcome of Monday's hearing, following the commissioner's personal inspection, is keenly awaited by environmentalists and residents alike.
