Jaipur, February 6: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the district collector of Bhilwara to take immediate legal action to protect water bodies and remove encroachments in the Kotri tehsil. This order was issued during a hearing of the original application filed by petitioner Vishnu Kumar Vaishnav, presided over by judicial member Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and expert member Ishwar Singh.
During the proceedings, the petitioner alleged significant encroachments and severe environmental violations affecting major water bodies in the area, including Dharmo Talab and Fateh Sagar, locally known as Baba Talab. He reported that these water bodies have suffered from illegal occupation and degradation, emphasizing their critical role in groundwater recharge and local ecology.
The tribunal was informed that a joint committee report and official records prepared by the tehsildar clearly established encroachments on the notified water bodies. The applicant argued that these documents confirm violations of environmental standards and revenue laws, posing long-term risks to water conservation and ecological balance in the region.
A lawyer representing the Rajasthan state informed the tribunal that authorities have initiated actions in accordance with applicable revenue and environmental laws. The state also acknowledged that the case pertains to encroachments on protected water bodies and assured the tribunal that legal steps are being taken to resolve the matter.
In light of these arguments, the NGT instructed the Bhilwara district collector to take all necessary steps under the law to ensure the protection of water bodies and the removal of encroachments without delay. The tribunal emphasized that the conservation of water bodies is crucial for environmental health and cannot be postponed. Additionally, it granted affected individuals the freedom to file applications to become parties in the case within two weeks, provided they send advance copies to the opposing parties.
The next hearing of the case is scheduled for February 25, 2026, when the tribunal will review compliance and progress made by the district administration.