As the vibrant celebrations of the Sambhar Festival 2025 concluded this Wednesday, a pressing environmental concern took center stage for the local community. Residents of the Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency have launched a decisive appeal, petitioning their elected representative, BJP MP Rao Rajendra Singh, to champion urgent conservation measures for the iconic but threatened Sambhar Lake.
A Formal Plea for Protection
In a formal letter dated December 31, Gaurav Dadhich, representing the youth and residents of Sambhar town, laid out a compelling case. The letter emphasized the lake's profound ecological value as a designated Ramsar site of international importance since 1990. This unique wetland is a critical habitat, known for hosting over 340 species of migratory birds, including some of the largest congregations of Greater and Lesser Flamingos in the region.
The plea clearly articulated growing fears over environmental degradation, pollution, and unsustainable human activities. These factors, the residents warn, pose a direct threat to the lake's delicate ecosystem and its avian visitors. "Declaring it a bird sanctuary will safeguard the birds, preserve ecological balance, promote tourism, and generate employment opportunities for local youth," the letter stated, highlighting a vision where conservation and community benefit go hand in hand.
The Legal and Administrative Void
Despite its prestigious Ramsar tag, a significant legal gap hampers protection. Sambhar Lake was never officially classified as a wetland under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1978. This omission has resulted in fragmented and unaccountable conservation efforts, with no single authority holding clear jurisdiction.
A senior forest department official confirmed this limitation, stating, "Since it is not under the forest department's jurisdiction, we cannot stop (commercial and tourism) activities at the lake." This regulatory vacuum has allowed potentially harmful activities to persist on the lakebed, despite a system requiring state government permission and scrutiny by a district environment committee.
Past Tragedy and Pending Plans
Concerns reached a new peak after a grave ecological disaster in December 2023, when mass deaths of migratory birds were reported due to avian botulism. In response, the Rajasthan government initiated monitoring under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017.
While steps were taken to demarcate the lake's boundaries and create a buffer zone, a crucial piece remains missing. An overarching integrated management plan, which would clearly define permissible tourism and commercial activities, is still pending. "Any regulated activity at the lake requires state govt permission... but it seems that non-eco-friendly activities continue on the lakebed," lamented Abid Ali Khan, a conservation advocate who has previously sought intervention from the National Green Tribunal.
Experts Call for Sustainable Vision
Ecologists and local observers stress that unchecked human intervention has already drastically altered the lake's habitat, endangering its fragile balance. The call is now for a paradigm shift towards responsible stewardship. "Tourism activities should be designed to promote eco-tourism, not destroy it forever," emphasized local bird watcher Bajrang Khumwat.
The collective demand from residents, environmentalists, and experts is clear: they are urging the central government to grant Sambhar Lake the formal status of a bird sanctuary. They believe this legal recognition is not just a label but an essential step for accountable nature conservation, ensuring this natural treasure survives for generations to come.
