NGT Orders Inspection of Sambhar Lake Amid Allegations of Encroachments and Groundwater Extraction

NGT Constitutes Joint Committee to Inspect Sambhar Lake, Alleging Encroachments and Environmental Degradation.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a joint committee to inspect Sambhar Lake. A Ramsar wetland and India's largest inland saline wetland, amidst allegations of encroachments, unauthorised salt pans, and groundwater extraction.

The committee, comprising representatives of the Jaipur district collector, State Wetland Authority Rajasthan, Central Pollution Control Board, and Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, has been directed to visit the site and submit its report within six weeks, with the state pollution control board designated as the nodal agency.

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The joint committee's formation comes after the NGT's Central Zone Bench. Bhopal, observed that a substantial issue has been raised in an application filed by Rashid Noor Khan &amp. others against the Union of India & others on September 28. The tribunal noted that the lake's ecological character depends on a delicate balance involving river inflows, groundwater, evaporation, and salinity.

Concerns have been raised about the unauthorized construction of salt pans within the lake's boundaries. With land previously designated as lakebed, or Samand, being encroached upon. Feeder streams are also being deliberately blocked or redirected through the use of unauthorized bunds.

Anicuts, and irrigation systems, significantly reducing the lake'It's rainfall input. The situation has been exacerbated by excessive groundwater extraction. Decreased inflows, and heightened evaporation, resulting in the lake's dramatic shrinkage, increased salt levels, and deteriorating water quality.

The NGT's decision to constitute the joint committee is a significant step towards addressing the environmental concerns raised by the applicant. The committee's report is expected to provide a factual and action-taken following. This will help in formulating a plan to restore the lake's ecological balance and prevent further degradation.

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The Sambhar Lake, a Ramsar wetland, is an important habitat for migratory birds, including flamingos. The NGT's intervention is a reminder of the need to protect and preserve India's natural heritage. This includes its wetlands, which play a important step in maintaining biodiversity and supporting local communities.

The joint committee's visit to the site is expected to be conducted on December 9. As per the tribunal's notice to the respondents. The committee's report is expected to be submitted within the stipulated six-week timeframe.

Providing a vital update on the lake's condition and the actions being taken to address the environmental concerns raised by the applicant.