NGT Takes Strict Action on Jhansi's Historic Pond Violations
The National Green Tribunal's principal bench in New Delhi has taken serious note of ongoing violations at Jhansi's historic Laxmi Taal. The 17th-century water body faces multiple threats including encroachment, pollution, and illegal construction activities within its premises.
High-Level Investigation Committee Formed
In response to these concerns, the NGT has ordered the formation of a joint investigation committee. This committee will include representatives from three key organizations:
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- The Survey of India
- A senior officer from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's Lucknow regional office
The MoEFCC officer from Lucknow has been designated as the nodal officer for this investigation. The committee received clear instructions to conduct a thorough site inspection and verify the original boundaries of Laxmi Taal using old revenue records.
Specific Mandate for the Committee
The investigating team must identify all encroachments and constructions within the pond area as well as its catchment zone. The district magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police in Jhansi have been directed to provide full cooperation to the committee during their investigation.
The NGT has given the committee two months to complete their work and submit a status report. The matter will come up for hearing again on April 13.
Background of the Case
The principal bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava as chairperson and A Senthil Vel as expert member, issued this order on January 8. The bench referred to its earlier order from September 14, 2022, which called for protection of the Tal from illegal construction.
Previously, the Tribunal had recorded assurances from Uttar Pradesh's principal secretary of urban development regarding remedial action to protect the water body. Based on these assurances, the NGT had disposed of the original application filed by Narendra Kushwaha.
Fresh Allegations Prompt New Action
The current action follows additional submissions filed by applicant Bhanu Sahay on December 31, 2025. Sahay stated that the Tribunal's earlier order had been flagrantly violated, with constructions in the Tal and its catchment area remaining unchanged.
These violations pose a serious threat to the very existence of the pond, which holds unique historic importance dating back to the time of Maharani Lakshmibai.
Specific Allegations Raised
Advocate Akash Vashishtha, representing the applicant, presented detailed allegations. According to government papers, the pond originally covered 33.068 hectares. However, approximately 12 hectares have been arbitrarily removed from the natural periphery of the pond.
This area has been filled with concrete, causing serious and irreparable damage to the water body's natural character. The catchment structure and ecological balance have also been severely affected.
Additionally, the applicant alleged that the municipal corporation directly discharges sewage sludge from over a dozen colonies into the historic pond. This pollution further threatens the survival of this important heritage site.
The NGT's intervention comes at a critical time for Laxmi Taal, as preservation efforts become increasingly urgent for this piece of Jhansi's historical legacy.
