The report of the Spot Commissioners appointed on the PIL filed in the Rajasthan High Court regarding encroachment and dirt in Kharia Lake area of Didwana has made several serious revelations. The report presented a terrible picture of not only the negligence of the city council administration, but also the ignoring the environment and the urban chaos. Advocate Sarwar Khan, president of the upliftment legal aid and service institute, raised the case in the court and demanded the protection and beautification of the lake.
Only 20-25 bighas of land left on the spot – Report
While hearing this petition, the Rajasthan High Court had appointed three Spot Commissioners and ordered to present a detailed report after inspecting the lake. The team of commissioners inspected and said that the total area of the lake should be 62 bighas, but only 20-25 bighas of land are left on the spot, the rest of the land has been encroached. The situation is not clear about the inclusion of 16 bigha pasture land, and Patwari on the spot could not give any information on this subject.
Sewage falls into the lake
The report states that there are illegal constructions around the lake, whose sewage falls directly into the lake. Surprisingly, the water of public toilets is also flowing in the lake, causing water quality to worse. Plastic, garbage, debris and algae were seen floating in the lake water. It is clear that there has been no cleaning here for a long time.
Questions raised on the city council too
Investigation also revealed that neither the city council nor the irrigation department has made any concerted efforts to clean the lake, improve water quality or maintain it. Following the prior order of the High Court, the city council only symbolically siege a field and planted some trees to complete the formalities. Even in this effort, this site was found to be surrounded by neglect and dirt, which made it unsuitable for public use.
The report clearly states that the main reason for the plight of the lake is encroachment, administrative negligence and ignoring the environment. If no concrete steps are taken soon, this historic lake can be completely destroyed. The report warns that immediate and effective steps need to be taken to improve the situation.
