Supreme Court Halts Construction: Futala Lake Preservation
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A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, issued directives to halt any construction at Nagpur's Futala Lake, emphasizing the need to maintain the status quo on ongoing projects. The court responded to an NGO Swacch Association Nagpur appeal, asserting that the construction violated Wetlands Rules and threatened the area's ecology.
The Supreme Court intervention comes in response to the ongoing legal battle surrounding the redevelopment and beautification of Futala Lake. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's proposed construction faced scrutiny as the court questioned its impact on water bodies and suggested relocating the viewing gallery. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation defended the project, claiming proposed structures were "temporary." However, the court challenged this assertion, questioning the temporary nature of a viewer's gallery and emphasizing its daily usage. Justices Pardiwala and Sharma scrutinized the permanence and intent behind the so-called temporary structures.
Futala Lake, also known as Telangkhedi Tank, has historical roots dating back to 1799, constructed during the Bhosle King's era. The dispute arose in 2018 when a NOC was issued for a laser light show and fountains, sparking concerns over the potential ecological impact.
The petitioner NGO, represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, highlighted the proposed dumping of 7,000 tonnes of concrete into the lake bed for various constructions. The NGO stressed that Futala Lake is a designated wetland, disputing the Maharashtra government's claim. The Supreme Court has now demanded affidavits from the Nagpur Municipal Authority and the Maharashtra government detailing the project within two weeks. The appeal challenges the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court's order in 2023, where the Maharashtra government contested the wetland classification, enabling the construction.
The NGO argued that the lake is both a classified wetland and a Grade I Heritage Precinct in Nagpur.
The proposed project involves a viewer's gallery floating on the lake, a seven-story structure with a parking plaza, restaurants, laser light, and steel fountains embedded in the lake bed. The NGO emphasizes the importance of maintaining a 50-meter distance from the classified wetland to protect the water body, migratory birds, and the surrounding drainage area.
