SC Gives States, UTs 4 Months To Map Wetlands
“This Court cannot remain a mere spectator or be unmindful of the consequences flowing from water bodies remaining unprotected,” the bench observed.
New Delhi:The Supreme Court has directed all states and wetland authorities to complete physical verification and demarcation of water bodies within four months, observing that courts cannot remain silent spectators when precious water resources remain unprotected.
A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi said water bodies were vital sources of drinking water and their protection fell within the ambit of the fundamental right to life guaranteed under the Constitution.
“This Court cannot remain a mere spectator or be unmindful of the consequences flowing from water bodies remaining unprotected,” the bench observed.
The court expressed concern that ground verification and demarcation of wetlands remained incomplete even nine years after the relevant rules were notified.
It directed states and wetland authorities to undertake physical ground verification, wherever pending, and file compliance affidavits detailing the methods adopted.
The bench initially proposed a four-week deadline. However, senior advocate Shekhar Naphade sought six to nine months, citing the extensive fieldwork and coordination required among government departments.
Acknowledging these difficulties, the court granted four months to complete the exercise.
The directions came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by bird enthusiast Anand Arya, advocate M.K. Balakrishnan and environmental NGO Vanashakti.