The Supreme Court has given its go-ahead to a compensatory wetland plan aimed at offsetting environmental degradation in the Ana Sagar Lake region.
The apex court accepted a proposal to develop two new wetlands within the city’s limits, underscoring a shift towards evidence-backed conservation practices and a more sustainable urban ecosystem. The ruling reflects a growing judicial endorsement of integrated and science-driven approaches to urban environmental challenges, especially in ecologically sensitive zones such as Ana Sagar. The court directive follows its earlier call for a comprehensive, scientifically validated wetland strategy to address environmental losses near the lake. In compliance, the district administration presented a plan to expand and develop two distinct wetland zones. The first is set to convert a modest 2-hectare water body into a 10-hectare wetland near Foy Sagar Lake, which has recently been renamed. The second involves transforming two disconnected ponds in the Tabiji area, located around 12 kilometres from Ajmer city centre, into a unified 19-hectare wetland ecosystem. The court has directed the state government to furnish a finalised implementation blueprint within a month, placing the onus of timely execution on the authorities.
The wetlands initiative is positioned as a cornerstone of a broader ecological recovery effort in the region, which has witnessed rapid urbanisation, unchecked encroachments, and the commercialisation of public spaces. The Supreme Court also took cognisance of the commitment made by the state administration to dismantle unauthorised constructions near the lakefront, including structures located within a prominent public park and adjoining food court areas. This action is expected to be carried out within six months, restoring both visual and ecological sanctity to the lake precinct. The implementation will be carried out under the supervision of the state’s wetland authority, working in tandem with a nationally recognised environmental research institution. Work is expected to commence as soon as the technical study reports are received, ensuring that execution is grounded in ecological assessments and urban planning norms. This marks a significant departure from earlier piecemeal approaches and signals a maturing urban governance model that aligns development with sustainability.
This initiative is not only vital for conserving local biodiversity but also speaks to the broader aspiration of building cities that are climate-resilient, water-sensitive, and inclusive. Wetlands serve as natural buffers against floods, recharge groundwater, and support diverse life forms, making them indispensable to the health of any urban landscape. Ajmer’s renewed focus on rehabilitating its water systems could offer a replicable template for other Indian cities grappling with similar ecological trade-offs. The Supreme Court’s directive reinforces that ecological restoration, when undertaken in a structured and participatory manner, is not just feasible but necessary in the face of escalating environmental stress.
Ana Sagar Region Set for Revival
