HC takes suo motu cognisance of wetland crisis, seeks statewide action plan

Jaipur: Expressing serious concern over the deteriorating condition of wetlands across the state, the principal seat of Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur has directed the state govt to submit comprehensive reports on the identification, notification, conservation and management of wetlands.

A vacation bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rekha Borana took cognisance of threats to wetlands from encroachments, pollution, sewage discharge, waste dumping and shrinking water spread areas. The court observed that wetlands are critical ecological assets that play an essential role in groundwater recharge, flood moderation, biodiversity conservation, water purification and climate resilience, particularly in a water-stressed state like Rajasthan.

The court noted that Rajasthan has around 46,748 wetland units, but only a limited number have reportedly been notified under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The order reads: “The issue extends beyond the degradation of individual wetlands and reflects broader concerns regarding identification, notification, protection and scientific management of wetland ecosystems across the state.”

Registering the matter as a suo motu PIL titled “Protection, Conservation and Notification of Wetlands in the State of Rajasthan and Preservation of Biodiversity, Groundwater Recharge and Ecological Sustainability”, the court issued notices to 16 respondents, including the chief secretary, principal secretaries of the environment, forest, urban development, local self-govt, water resources and groundwater departments, the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, State Wetland Authority, Rajasthan Biodiversity Board, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), director, environment, and district collectors of Udaipur, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Phalodi.

The bench directed all respondents to file detailed affidavits and status reports covering district-wise wetland inventories, notified and non-notified wetlands, GIS mapping and boundary demarcation, the status of Ramsar sites, encroachments, pollution sources, biodiversity assessments, the functioning of the State Wetland Authority, conservation funding and restoration projects.

As an interim measure, the court ordered a statewide survey of wetlands and directed authorities to ensure that no further encroachment, reclamation, dumping, construction activity or alteration of wetland boundaries takes place without due process of law. It also instructed agencies to identify pollution sources, inspect major wetlands and Ramsar sites, assess water quality and biodiversity, and prepare a time-bound roadmap for wetland protection and restoration.

The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board has been specifically tasked with conducting water quality assessments and environmental impact evaluations of major wetlands affected by pollution and submitting a comprehensive report on contamination levels, environmental risks and action taken against violators.

The chief secretary has been directed to circulate the order to all district collectors and compile district-wise information on wetlands across the state.

The court appointed advocates Jubin Mehta, Divik Mathur and Harshvardhan Singh Rathore as amici curiae to assist the proceedings.

“The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 6, 2026,” a state govt official said.