The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zone Bench, Bhopal, has instructed the District Collector of Bhilwara to promptly enforce laws safeguarding water bodies and eliminating encroachments in Kotri tehsil, Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. This directive stems from Original Application No. 38/2025 (CZ) filed by Vishnu Kumar Vaishnav. Allegations of extensive encroachments and environmental violations impacting significant water bodies like Dharmo Talab and Fateh Sagar were raised during the hearing.
The petitioner highlighted the critical role these water bodies play in groundwater recharge and local ecology, emphasizing their illegal occupation and degradation. Official reports confirmed encroachments on the notified water bodies, indicating violations of environmental and revenue laws. The State of Rajasthan assured the NGT that appropriate actions are underway in response to the issue of encroachments on protected water bodies.
In response to the urgency of protecting water bodies, the NGT directed the District Collector to take immediate lawful measures to safeguard the water bodies and clear encroachments. The Tribunal allowed affected parties to submit applications for involvement within two weeks, with a review scheduled for February 25, 2026, to assess the district administration’s progress.
