The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed authorities to take immediate action to revive the ecological health of Mansarovar Lake in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. This directive follows complaints of encroachment and the release of untreated wastewater into the lake. The Central Zone Bench in Bhopal, led by Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, issued these orders during a hearing on a petition filed by Public Power and Awareness Society, Bhilwara against the State of Rajasthan & Others.
The petition raised concerns about encroachments near the lake and the discharge of untreated wastewater, which have had a detrimental impact on the environmental and ecological state of Mansarovar Lake. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) informed the Tribunal during the hearing that an Action Taken Report (ATR) had been submitted. Additionally, the State of Rajasthan was present before the Bench, which instructed certain amendments to the State’s response.
NGT has mandated all remaining respondents who have not yet submitted their responses to do so within two weeks. Given the current monsoon season, the Tribunal stressed the urgency of implementing the recommendations put forth by the Joint Committee and the State’s Expert Member. Specifically, the NGT has ordered the immediate removal of aquatic weeds from the lake surface, both mechanically and manually, to enhance its ecological status promptly.
The Bench further directed authorities to adhere to all other suggestions outlined in the committee’s report within the specified timelines and in good faith. The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for September 15, 2026, where the Tribunal will assess the progress made in implementing its directives.
