SC directs Rajasthan govt to demolish wetland encroachments in Ajmer

Abraham Thomas The Supreme Court of India The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Rajasthan government to demolish encroachments on a wetland forming part of a park near Anasagar lake in Ajmer within six months and observed that destruction of wetlands is invitation to disaster. Under any cost, wetlands have to be protected.” The court was hearing an appeal filed by Rajasthan government that was asked to restore the Anasagar Lake in Ajmer as a wetland by the National Green Tribunal in December 2021 with a further direction in August 2023 to demolish any encroachment or construction in the ‘buffer area’ of the lake. On Monday, the state chief secretary appeared online during the proceeding and even filed affidavit undertaking to remove the food court and the replicas in the Seven Wonders Park within six months. As an auditorium too had been constructed, which the state was keen to retain, the bench said, “Before considering other parts of the affidavit, if state wants to maintain the work done on wetlands, it should come out with a proposal to recreate wetland double the space in the state.” Solicitor general Tushar Mehta appearing for the state sought time to take instructions in this regard.