Home / Environment / NGT Slams Encroachment on Rajasthan's Chandlai Lake
NGT Slams Encroachment on Rajasthan's Chandlai Lake
21 Jan
Summary
- National Green Tribunal expressed concerns over Chandlai lake pollution.
- Textile units discharged industrial waste, causing lake degradation.
- NGT directed state to remove encroachments and file compliance report.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Central Zone bench, based in Bhopal, has raised significant concerns regarding the ongoing encroachment and discharge of industrial waste into Rajasthan's Chandlai lake.
The tribunal highlighted the critical scarcity of drinking water across the country, stressing that regulatory bodies must act responsibly to protect environmental resources like wetlands.
It was observed that commercial and residential projects often target areas near water bodies for increased salability, disregarding their ecological importance and historical significance, such as Chandlai lake, which is over 140 years old.
The NGT has mandated the state government and the district collector to ensure the removal of all illegal constructions and encroachments. A compliance report on these actions has been required from the respondents.
Furthermore, the tribunal ordered the demolition of constructions made during the application's pendency and earlier violations, with costs to be borne by the municipal corporation.
A time-bound action plan for the lake's restoration will be prepared, reviewed by the State PCB, and approved by the state wetland authority. Environmental compensation will be realized and used for the lake's improvement under the supervision of local authorities.
