The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of Jaipur’s historic Jal Mahal lake, reprimanding the Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation for its role in damaging the lake and allowing the setup of a night market in the surrounding area.
A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjwal Bhuiyan expressed alarm, questioning how Jaipur could become a smart city if such environmental destruction continued.
In response to the concerns, the court banned all night market and vending activities near the Jal Mahal lake. The bench emphasized the importance of preserving the lake, directing the Municipal Corporation to take immediate action to comply with the court’s order.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 7, 2025, and has instructed the Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation to submit a compliance report by March 21, 2025.
Formation Of Expert Committee For Lake Restoration
The Supreme Court also directed the formation of a committee comprising experts from the CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to assess the situation. The committee’s task is to prevent any further contamination, including the discharge of sewage, into the lake and to recommend measures for restoring its condition.
The court also called for a report from the expert committee, asking NEERI to propose actions that would mitigate the environmental damage caused by the night market.
The controversy surrounding the night market near Jal Mahal began in May 2022 when the Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation set up the market on Saturdays and Sundays. The market quickly became a subject of public criticism due to violations of environmental regulations in the eco-sensitive zone of the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
After the issue came to light, the market was shut down on July 24, 2023. However, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ruled against the Heritage Corporation, declaring the night market illegal and imposing a daily environmental fine of Rs 10,000 on the corporation.
The NGT’s verdict came in response to a complaint filed by RTI activist Rajendra Tiwari, who raised concerns about the release of untreated water into the lake. The NGT’s decision further highlighted the serious environmental impact of the market and the Corporation’s failure to address the issues.
The Supreme Court’s orders now place pressure on the Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation to take swift action in restoring the health of the Jal Mahal lake.
As the case continues to unfold, the court’s decision reflects the growing need for accountable urban development that balances preservation of historical sites with modern progress.
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