State Should Take Steps To Stop All Activities Which Impede Natural Flow Of Water: Rajasthan High Court

The Bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur was hearing a plea filed by Kisan Vikas Sewa Samiti which alleged that once lessees of Bajari Mines in khatedari land extract the Bajari from the river, they do not do anything to restore the land.

It was alleged that once Bajari extraction is over, it creates huge ditches in the river belt which restrict the flow of water and water gets collected in these ditches.

It was further submitted that due to this, the free flow of water in the river bay had been impeded.

To this, the State was directed to obtain instructions and file affidavit as to what steps are being taken by the State to direct the erstwhile lessees of Bajari Mines in khatedari land for restoring the land which has been dug up during the course of operation of the mines.

Further, the State was also asked to file an affidavit of what steps the State proposes for taking care of the situation.

Further, the Court also noted that at various locations within Rajasthan, Dams have been created by the State for providing drinking water to various urban establishments as well as water for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry.

Unfortunately, the Court further added thus:

"we find that since excavations have been taking place at river beds and big crevices have been formed, due to such excavation, water gets retained in such ditches and crevices and such water does not even travel and reach the Dams which have been created by the State for the purpose as noted here-in-above."

Importantly, the Court was informed about the instance of Ramgarh Dam, which was created by the State and where the Asian Championship was once held.

It was submitted that presently no water exists in such Dams and water was being blocked at various locations, therefore, the Court directed the State to take steps to stop all activities which impede the natural flow of water for the larger purpose of providing drinking water to its citizens and animals as well as providing water for irrigation.

Consequently, the Court further noted that the investments made by the State for construction of all these Dams is made redundant if natural flow of water is impeded in any manner.

Case title - M/s. Kisan Vikas Sewa Samiti v. State Of Rajasthan

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