Rajasthan High Court has issued a notice to State and questioned authorities for failing to protect and improve the natural environment.

The context was regarding a news article published in TOI, titled as “Dirty lakes, Dead Fish mark end of festive season”.  At its principal seat in Jodhpur, a division bench issued a notice to Government through District Collector, to be returned on 31^st October.

Citing provisions under Article 51-A, the High Court mentioned that it is every citizen’s duty to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have compassion for creatures.

As quoted by the court, “The Prime Minister has also taken the issue of cleanliness and hygiene as a mission being a fundamental need for a dignified life. However, it appears that the residents of Udaipur city as well as the local bodies are not taking adequate care of lakes, and hence the facts stated in the news item deserve suo motu cognizance.”

The court has asked the responsible local and government bodies on why necessary directions should not be given to ensure the cleanliness of lakes (Fatehsagar and Pichola) by prohibiting immersion of idols, garlands etc. in the water bodies.