NGT orders urgent restoration of Mansarovar Lake in Bhilwara, Rajasthan
Synopsis
The NGT has stepped in to rescue Mansarovar Lake in Bhilwara from encroachment and sewage pollution, ordering immediate weed removal and full compliance with a Joint Committee report — all before the next hearing on 15 September 2026. It is a reminder that India's urban lakes are under siege, and judicial intervention remains one of the few reliable levers forcing action.
Key Takeaways
The NGT Central Zone Bench, Bhopal issued urgent restoration directions for Mansarovar Lake, Bhilwara on 25 July 2026 .
The petition, filed by Public Power and Awareness Society, Bhilwara , alleges encroachment and untreated wastewater discharge into the lake.
The Tribunal ordered immediate mechanical and manual removal of aquatic weeds from the lake surface.
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) confirmed an Action Taken Report (ATR) had been submitted.
All remaining respondents must file responses within two weeks ; next hearing is on 15 September 2026 .
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed authorities to immediately carry out measures to restore the ecological health of Mansarovar Lake in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, following a petition alleging encroachment and the discharge of untreated wastewater into the water body. The directions were issued on 25 July 2026 by the Central Zone Bench, Bhopal.
The Case Before the Tribunal
The matter arose from Original Application No. 15/2026 (CZ), filed by Public Power and Awareness Society, Bhilwara, against the State of Rajasthan and others. The petition alleges that encroachments around the lake and the unchecked inflow of untreated wastewater have severely degraded the environmental and ecological condition of Mansarovar Lake.
The bench, comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh (Judicial Member) and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi (Expert Member), heard submissions from all parties and noted that the situation warranted urgent intervention, particularly given the ongoing monsoon season.
Key Directions Issued by the NGT
The Tribunal issued a series of immediate directives. It ordered the mechanical and manual removal of aquatic weeds from the lake surface without delay, citing the adverse impact of weed proliferation on the water body's ecological balance. The bench further directed that all remaining recommendations contained in the Joint Committee's report be implemented in letter and spirit within the stipulated timelines.
Counsel for the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) informed the Tribunal that an Action Taken Report (ATR) had already been submitted. The State of Rajasthan also appeared before the bench, which directed certain corrections to the reply filed by the state. All remaining respondents who had not yet filed their responses were given two weeks to do so.
Why the Monsoon Season Makes This Urgent
The NGT specifically highlighted the monsoon season as a factor necessitating immediate action. Monsoon rains can accelerate the spread of aquatic weeds and dilute accountability on wastewater discharge, making timely intervention critical. This comes amid a broader national pattern of wetland degradation, with urban lakes across India facing mounting pressure from encroachment, sewage inflow, and inadequate civic oversight.
What Happens Next
The matter has been posted for the next hearing on 15 September 2026, when the Tribunal is expected to review the progress made on implementing its directions. Authorities will need to demonstrate measurable steps taken on weed removal and compliance with the Joint Committee's recommendations before that date.
Point of View
But without an independent monitoring mechanism, progress reports risk becoming paperwork exercises rather than ecological milestones.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the NGT ordered regarding Mansarovar Lake in Bhilwara?
The National Green Tribunal has directed authorities to immediately implement restoration measures for Mansarovar Lake in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, including the mechanical and manual removal of aquatic weeds and compliance with all Joint Committee recommendations. The order was passed on 25 July 2026 by the Central Zone Bench, Bhopal.
Why is Mansarovar Lake in Bhilwara under threat?
According to the petition filed before the NGT, encroachments around the lake and the inflow of untreated wastewater have severely degraded its environmental and ecological condition. The monsoon season has been cited as a factor making the situation more urgent.
Who filed the case against the State of Rajasthan over Mansarovar Lake?
The case was filed by Public Power and Awareness Society, Bhilwara, registered as Original Application No. 15/2026 (CZ) before the NGT Central Zone Bench, Bhopal.
What is the next date of hearing in the Mansarovar Lake NGT case?
The NGT has posted the matter for its next hearing on 15 September 2026, when it will review progress on the implementation of its restoration directions.
What role is the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board playing in this case?
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) appeared before the Tribunal and informed it that an Action Taken Report had already been submitted. The board is among the respondents required to comply with the NGT's restoration directives.
