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Rajasthan HC: Lake City Hills 'On Verge of Extinction'
31 Jul
Summary
- Udaipur's hills face extinction due to widespread hotel construction.
- Rajasthan High Court criticizes flawed hill policies, calls them 'pitiable'.
- Court may initiate PIL to examine ecological degradation under Public Trust Doctrine.
Rajasthan High Court's principal seat in Jodhpur has voiced alarm over the significant destruction of Udaipur's hill ecosystem. The court observed that the city's hills are nearing extinction due to extensive cutting for hotels, resorts, and commercial developments.
Justice Sameer Jain noted that crucial advice from environmental ministries was absent when hill policies were formulated twice. The court expressed deep pain, stating Udaipur's historical beauty is being marred by unchecked development, ignoring constitutional duties to protect natural resources.
The court found state assurances to implement the Public Trust Doctrine unfulfilled, with a recent policy allegedly lacking due diligence. Authorities have been summoned to appear personally with detailed statistical data and original records concerning construction permissions.
The court will next hear the matter on August 6, aiming to address the severe ecological degradation impacting Udaipur's natural heritage.
