Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Thursday directed the Mahametro and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to ensure that the construction activities undertaken by them do not result in causing any damage to Futala lake.While disposing of the PIL (No 4/2023) by Swachh Association through president Anusuya Chhabrani, a division bench comprising justices Atul Chandurkar and Vrushali Joshi held that the historic lake constructed by the Bhonsales in 1799, is not wetland, but a man-made water body. Since the field is covered by the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and the lake does not answer the definition of the term wetland, we hold that being a man-made water body, Futala Lake is not a wetland, the bench observed. Asking the respondents to be alive to the need for preserving the man-made water body to enable the future generations to witness it in its present form, the bench said it would be necessary for them to ensure that their activities do not result in causing any ecological damage to the water body and that the quality of aqua life is not adversely affected.The Mahametro and NMC should ensure that the water body where the floating banquet hall, floating restaurant as well as the artificial banyan tree are proposed, is kept clean and is properly maintained by taking all necessary precautions / steps. Though the present proceedings are being disposed of with a hope that the respondents would abide by our expectations, it is made clear that it would be open for any public-spirited citizen to bring to the courts notice any acts that could result in causing damage to the water body in future, the bench added. While applauding the petitioners efforts in highlighting the issue, the judges said, Lake preservation is of paramount importance and the respondents are duty bound to act responsibly in a manner consistent with Articles 48-A and 51-A(g) of the Constitution of India. We also published the following articles recentlyWater from Puzhal lake enters northern suburbsMudichur and northern suburbs face water-logging due to excessive water release from Puzhal lake. Theerthagiriyampattu, Vilangadukuppam, Vadaperumbakkam, and Samiyarmadam are among the affected localities. Ashok Modi of Puzhal reports submerged houses in low-lying areas. Medavakkam, Perumbakkam, Chitlapakkam, Hasthinapuram, Paruthipattu, Annanur, Kovilpathagai, VGP Babu Nagar, and Sithalapakkam also experience water-logging.Citys wetlands disappearing at alarming rateAhmedabads lakes and wetlands are disappearing due to roads, property construction, and civic amenities. A study by Gujarat University found that nearly 50% of 11 wetlands in the city had shrunk in the past 23 years. The number of lakes in Ahmedabad has declined by over 80% since 1999. Another study by BISAG revealed that the lakes are shrinking at a rate of 1.57 sq km per decade. The Makarba lake has degraded by 14% in the past decade, and the Vastrapur lake has lost most of its vacant land. The remaining lakes near Rancharda, Sanand Road, Shela, and Ambli are under threat from the expanding TP roads.Empty Bondvol lake turns into farmlandThe Santa Cruz village panchayat expresses surprise over preparations for cultivation in Bondvol lakes catchment area. The water of the lake has been drained and tampered with by unknown persons. The panchayat will prepare a report and submit it to WRD and Old Goa police. CCTV cameras will be installed at the valve location and the local panch member will maintain vigil. Strict action is demanded against the culprits. The farming activity and properties around the lake will be mentioned in the inspection report. The Calapur comunidade, as the owner of the property, denies responsibility for the lake. WRD and the Goa State Wetland Authority are supposed to look after it. The comunidade is being unjustly targeted and denies receiving any complaints about the decreasing water level.

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