Rajasthan HC steps in to save Udaipur’s water bodies from pollution, encroachments
The Rajasthan High Court on Friday (June 5, 2026) took suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting pollution, encroachments and other threats to lakes and
The Rajasthan High Court on Friday (June 5, 2026) took suo motu cognisance of media reports highlighting pollution, encroachments and other threats to lakes and water bodies in Udaipur. A Division Bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rekha Borana, observed that Udaipur occupies a unique position in Rajasthan’s environmental landscape. The Bench noted that the city’s lakes and water bodies form an integral part of its environmental and cultural heritage and perform critical functions relating to groundwater recharge, water security, biodiversity conservation, flood moderation, climate resilience and the maintenance of ecological balance.
Emphasising the constitutional right of future generations to a clean and healthy environment, the Court observed that water bodies play a crucial role in regulating local climatic conditions and significantly contribute to urban environmental health. The Court noted that Article 21 of the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, encompasses the right to a clean and healthy environment. It further observed that Article 48A casts a duty on the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, while Article 51A(g) recognises the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment.
The Bench also referred to the Public Trust Doctrine, under which natural resources of vital public importance are held by the State in trust for the benefit of the public and future generations and cannot be allowed to suffer degradation through inaction or unsustainable use. The Bench noted that increasing urbanisation, unregulated development and encroachments have emerged as significant challenges affecting urban water bodies across the country. The Court took note of reports published in the Udaipur edition of Rajasthan Patrika, which raised concerns regarding alleged encroachments on water bodies, unresolved disputes concerning lake boundaries and continuous construction activities around such areas.
Considering the issues raised, the Court invoked its suo motu jurisdiction in the larger public interest to ensure the effective protection, preservation and sustainable management of lakes, water bodies, canals and associated ecological systems in Udaipur. The Court directed the concerned departments and authorities to submit a consolidated report. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 13.
The BriefWire