The Supreme Court on Friday slammed Nagar Nigam Jaipur Heritage for neglecting Jal Mahal lake and allowing it to be polluted [Nagar Nigam Heritage Jaipur and anr. v Rajendra Tiwari & ors]..The Bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan directed the municipal body to appoint National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) for a comprehensive report on immediate measures to be taken for stopping pollution at the lake and suggesting long time measures for its restoration and preservation. "We wonder how city of Jaipur will become 'smart' by damaging Jal Mahal lake beyond repair," the Court remarked.The Bench made the comment after it saw the municipal commissioner appear online with the words "Smart City" written behind him.The Court was hearing the Nagar Nigam's petition challenging National Green Tribunal (NGT)'s 2023 order requiring the municipal body to seek environmental clearances before permitting night market or other activities near the lake. NGT had ordered the authorities to ensure that no activities are permitted in violation of the notification issued in respect of the Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Eco-Sensitive Zone. .The top court today observed due to neglect and illegal acts of the Nagar Nigam Heritage Jaipur, Jal Mahal lake has been completely destroyed."Night market was allowed to operate in the vicinity …. dirty sewage water released into lake.. waste material of a corporation was also released, due to which water has been completely contaminated," it said.The Court said the purported development project had nothing to do with restoration and preservation of Jal Mahal Lake. It thus ordered the authorities not to undertake the development project before NEERI's recommendations are received. Further, the Court directed Nagar Nigam Heritage Jaipur to ensure that no vending or market activity is allowed in the vicinity of Jal Mahal Lake.The case will be heard next on March 24..[Read Order]
