The Supreme Court has slammed the environmental damage caused to Jaipur’s Jal Mahal Lake. Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said, “We are seriously concerned about the condition of the Jal Mahal Lake. How can Jaipur become a smart city if Jal Mahal Lake is damaged? ’ The Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the increasing environmental degradation in heritage areas and questions the efficacy of local governance in maintaining ecological balance.
The apex court had earlier directed the Heritage Corporation Commissioner to appear before the court and submit details of steps taken for conservation and restoration of Jal Mahal Lake. He appeared before the court in the recent hearing as directed by the apex court. Hearing the arguments put forth by the commissioner, the apex court was not satisfied and felt the justifications were not enough. “We are not satisfied with the arguments put forth by the learned commissioner and we direct the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to be appointed within one week to assess the damage to the lake and also submit recommendations to restore ecological damage caused due to night market and other causes, ” the bench said.
NGT’s Fine on the Heritage Corporation
The Additional Advocate General Shivmangal Sharma informed the court as to how the Jal Mahal Lake night market came into limelight. He said that in May 2022, the Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation had organised a night market every Saturday and Sunday at Jal Mahal Lake to promote tourism and local business, but it soon became controversial for flouting environmental rules. According to the NGT’s order, the night market was closed on July 24, 2023, as it was affecting the ecology of the lake.
The municipal corporation filed an appeal before the Supreme Court against imposition of the penalty. After hearing arguments, the Supreme Court on May 13, 2024, passed a fresh order, modifying the penalty to be applicable to 75 days per week. This reduced the total fine to 7. 5 lakh which was a relief to the corporation. The case pointed out the accountability of municipal authorities in sustainable development with economic activities.
Environmental Impact and Upcoming Hearing
The apex court’s concern was amplified by a report submitted by the assistant forest conservator. The apex court, in its last hearing on February 7, had noted that the report said Jal Mahal Lake was suffering from severe ecological damage due to human activities like pollution, encroachments and unsustainable commercial activities like the night market. The report had said that pollution, encroachments and night market commercial activities were adversely affecting the lake. The Supreme Court called up the municipal commissioner and asked him to take immediate action.
The NEERI would be expected to render technical advice on the extent of the environmental damage and how it could be restored. Also, by intervening, the Supreme Court has set a precedent for stricter regulation of activities that pose an environmental threat to heritage sites. The case is next heard on 7 March, when further arguments and directions for remedial measures are likely to be discussed.
