The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concern over the condition of lakes, canals, wetlands, and other water bodies in Udaipur. The court directed the state government to file detailed affidavits and status reports regarding their protection, conservation, and management.
Suo Motu Cognisance of Environmental Degradation
Taking suo motu cognisance of various news reports concerning encroachments, degradation of water bodies, canal infrastructure failures, and developmental activities near ecologically sensitive lake areas, the court ordered a series of interim measures to prevent further environmental damage and ensure the preservation of Udaipur's interconnected lake system.
Division Bench Issues Notices
In a recent reportable judgment, a Division Bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rekha Borana issued notices to 11 respondents. These include the chief secretary, state government officials, the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Udaipur district administration, municipal corporation, and the Udaipur Development Authority.
Interim Measures Ordered
As interim measures, the court ordered that no further encroachment, reclamation, filling, dumping, construction activity, or alteration of the physical boundaries of any identified lake, water body, canal, feeder channel, or catchment area be permitted except in accordance with law.
The court observed that Udaipur's ecological stability, tourism potential, and economy are substantially dependent on its interconnected network of lakes, feeder channels, canals, and catchment areas. Disturbance to any component of the system could have cascading effects on the entire hydrological network.
Constitutional Principles Invoked
Referring to constitutional principles, the Bench noted that protection of lakes and water bodies is embedded in Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g) of the Constitution. This is reinforced by the Public Trust Doctrine, which obligates the state to preserve natural resources for present and future generations.
Comprehensive Status Reports Required
With these observations, the court directed all respondents to submit comprehensive status reports covering the condition of major lakes and water bodies, water quality, ecological health, hydrological connectivity, demarcation of lake boundaries, GIS mapping, encroachments, illegal constructions, sewage discharge, pollution, biodiversity assessments, restoration projects, expenditure incurred during the past five years, and proposed short-, medium-, and long-term conservation measures.
Particular attention was sought on the status of Roop Sagar Talab, including pending demarcation proceedings and steps taken to protect the lake and its catchment area.
Role of Pollution Control Board and District Administration
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board has been directed to conduct water quality assessments and report on contamination levels, environmental concerns, and remedial measures required. The court further directed the District Collector of Udaipur to coordinate with all departments concerned and place a consolidated status report before the court.
