Environmental justice took center stage in Bhopal as the NGT’s Central Zonal Bench commanded Bhilwara authorities to purge encroachments from essential water bodies in Kotri tehsil. This landmark directive, prompted by activist Vishnu Kumar Vaishnav’s plea, addresses flagrant abuses imperiling Rajasthan’s hydrological balance.
Hearings revealed extensive illegal takeovers of Dharmo Talab and Baba Talab (Fateh Sagar), backed by irrefutable joint reports and tehsildar verifications. Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and Expert Member Ishwar Singh underscored the ponds’ role as ecological lifelines for groundwater and habitats.
The petitioner’s case highlighted how these violations undermine environmental laws and revenue codes, fostering risks to water security. Immediate reclamation was deemed non-optional.
State advocates confirmed ongoing compliance with statutes, admitting the encroachments’ impact on notified sites and pledging decisive action.
The tribunal’s edict to the District Collector is unambiguous—execute all legal remedies without hesitation to secure these assets. Parties affected may apply to join within 14 days, serving copies beforehand.
Scheduled review on February 25, 2026, will gauge efficacy. This ruling amplifies calls for vigilant stewardship of water resources amid escalating scarcity, setting a precedent for nationwide conservation drives.