Rajasthan High Court Takes Suo-Motu Cognizance Of Reports On Encroachment, Pollution Caused To Udaipur's Lakes And Water Bodies
Nupur Agrawal
10 Jun 2026 9:13 AM IST
Rajasthan High Court takes suo motu cognizance of the issues pertaining to lakes, canals and other water bodies in Udaipur, including alleged increased urbanization, unregulated developments, encroachment, pollution, sewage discharge, alternation of natural drainage channels and inadequate maintenance of water infrastructure.
The court took note of various news reports highlighting issues relating to alleged encroachments upon lake areas, unresolved disputes concerning lake boundaries, degradation of water bodies, structural deficiencies in canal infrastructure, developmental activities in proximity to ecologically sensitive areas and concerns regarding the overall management and preservation of urban water resources.
At the outset the court referred to a couplet "Udaipur" by poet and scholar Shri JaiKrishn Chaudhry 'Habeeb', who had while praising the divine beauty of the city of Udaipur, written -
"ख़शनु ुमा झीलों में लर्ज़ां जिन का है अक्स-ए-जमील"(the gorgeous reflection of which reflects in the pleasant lakes) and had referred to the city as "रश्क-ए-फ़िरदौस-ए-ज़माना" (a place whose beauty could envy even the paradise).
Terming the lakes and water bodies in Udaipur as an ecologically significant lake network, and an inseparable part of the city's identity, the division bench of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rekha Borana, held that these water bodies also performed critical functions like groundwater recharge, water security, biodiversity conservation, flood moderation, climate resilience, and maintenance of ecological balance.
The Court made reference to the right under Article 21; duties under Article 48A and 51A(g); as well as the public trust doctrine to opine that degradation of natural resources could not be allowed, and assumed even greater significance in water-stressed regions where preservation of existing water resources was indispensable.
The Court took note of various reports published in daily locals that highlighted multiple issues like alleged encroachments, unresolved disputes concerning lake boundaries, degradation of water bodies, structural deficiencies in canal infrastructure, development activities, and overall management and preservation of urban water bodies.
“While developmental activities may contribute to economic growth and surge in tourism, they necessarily require thoughtful balancing with environmental safeguards, waste management requirements, ecological carrying capacity and long-term sustainability of the lake ecosystem.”
In this background, the Court took suo motu cognizance of the issues in the larger public interest, to ensure effective protection, preservation and sustainable management of lakes, water bodies, canals and associated ecological systems in Udaipur.
The Court directed the concerned departments and authorities to submit a consolidated report of the following:
- Details of major lakes, water bodies, canals, within Udaipur;
- Present status of specified lakes and water bodies including their geographical extent, water quality, etc.;
- demarcation of lake boundaries;
- status of proceedings relating to determination of boundaries;
- encroachments and illegal constructions;
- discharge of sewage water and other waste in waterbodies;
- environmental safeguards adopted;
- funds allocated and used in last 5 years towards preservation and maintenance,
- and a comprehensive action plan including short-term, medium-term and long-term measured.
"Undertake inspection of Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Rang Sagar Lake, Roop Sagar Talab, Doodh Talai, Goverdhan Sagar Lake, Badi Lake (Jiyan Sagar), Udai Sagar Lake, Madar Lake, Bada Madar Lake, Chhota Madar Lake and Kumharia Talab and other interconnected lakes and water bodies situated within Udaipur and submit reports regarding their present ecological condition, water quality status, catchment condition, encroachment status and conservation requirements...ensure maintenance of status quo with regard to the existing physical extent and character of major lakes and water bodies identified by the competent authorities until further orders of this Court, except where restoration and conservation measures are being undertaken in accordance with law" the court said.
An inspection needs to be undertaken regarding ecological condition, water quality, encroachment status and conservation requirements of specified lakes and water bodies. Also, the State needs to ensure that no untreated, sewage or any other waste water was discharged in the water bodies.
The matter is listed on July 13, 2026.
Title: In Re: Protection and Conservation of Lakes and Water Bodies in Udaipur.
