The Supreme Court has directed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to conduct a detailed site visit and submit a report on pollution control measures at the iconic Jal Mahal lake in Jaipur by the end of April. This decision comes in the wake of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation’s (JMC) failure to provide a satisfactory explanation or a comprehensive plan for addressing the continuing pollution at the lake.
The apex court’s intervention follows a series of legal proceedings over the past few months. In November 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had issued a stern order, halting the night market along the lake’s shoreline and imposing an environmental compensation of Rs 26 lakh on the JMC for violating environmental norms. The JMC’s subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court challenging the NGT’s order was met with a critical response from the court. Rajendra Tiwari, the petitioner in the case, highlighted a report from the assistant conservator of forests, which confirmed that the JMC had been discharging untreated effluents, sewage, and wastewater into the lake, contributing to its pollution.
During the latest hearing, the court summoned the CEO of the JMC to explain the measures taken to mitigate the ecological damage and to present a detailed plan for the preservation of the lake. The lack of a coherent strategy from the JMC raised alarm among the judges, who expressed concerns over the future of Jaipur’s environmental management. The court specifically questioned how a city aiming to become a ‘smart city’ could neglect such a critical aspect of urban planning as environmental conservation.
Advocate Vaibhav Pancholy, representing Tiwari, stressed the urgency of the situation, pointing out that without effective action, the lake would continue to suffer irreversible ecological damage. The court’s concerns were amplified by the recent findings of environmental violations, which highlighted the need for urgent intervention. In response, the court directed NEERI to conduct a thorough assessment of the situation and provide an expert report by the end of April, setting the stage for further hearings in early May.
The Jal Mahal lake, one of Jaipur’s most beloved landmarks, is now at the centre of a legal battle that has far-reaching implications for urban sustainability and the preservation of natural heritage. As the city strives to meet the aspirations of becoming a smart city, this case serves as a reminder that environmental stewardship must be at the heart of any forward-thinking urban development plan. The outcome of this case will not only shape the future of Jal Mahal but will also send a powerful message about the importance of protecting our shared natural resources in the face of urbanisation.
