New Delhi, February 28 – The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Nagar Nigam Jaipur Heritage for its role in polluting and damaging the iconic Jal Mahal lake, holding the civic body responsible for its near destruction.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan lambasted the municipal authorities for their negligence, particularly for permitting a night market in the eco-sensitive vicinity of the lake. The court noted that instead of working towards conservation, the authorities had contributed to severe pollution, including the discharge of sewage into the water body.
Court Questions Jaipur’s ‘Smart City’ Vision
Referring to the municipal commissioner’s virtual appearance with a ‘Smart City’ board in the background, the bench expressed skepticism about Jaipur’s development strategy. “How will Jaipur become a smart city if its heritage sites like Jal Mahal lake are being irreversibly damaged?” the court remarked.It also pointed out that no expert committee had been formed to oversee the restoration and preservation of the lake, further highlighting the civic body's failure in protecting the environment.
NEERI Tasked with Restoration Plan
In a decisive move, the Supreme Court directed the Jaipur civic body to appoint the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to conduct a comprehensive assessment. NEERI will be responsible for outlining immediate measures to halt pollution and recommending a long-term restoration plan for the lake.The apex court was hearing an appeal by Nagar Nigam Jaipur Heritage challenging the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) November 3, 2023, order, which had banned the night market and other commercial activities near the lake. The NGT had ruled that these activities were conducted within the eco-sensitive zone of Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary without the required permissions from the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Monitoring Committee.
Municipal Body’s Role in Pollution Exposed
The Supreme Court also reviewed an affidavit submitted by the civic body’s Chief Executive Officer, which referenced a tourism department project report. However, the report failed to address the core issue of lake restoration and preservation. The court further noted that the municipal corporation headquarters had been releasing untreated sewage into Jal Mahal lake from time to time, exacerbating the environmental damage.RTI Activist’s Plea Led to NGT Action
The case was originally brought before the NGT by RTI activist Rajendra Tiwari, who challenged the night market and the discharge of untreated sewage into the lake. The tribunal ruled in his favor, ordering an immediate ban on the night market and directing the civic body to seek permission from the ESZ monitoring committee.With the Supreme Court now stepping in, the Jaipur civic body faces strict scrutiny and is expected to implement urgent measures to restore the historic Jal Mahal lake and prevent further ecological degradation.