Correct Answer : Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand high court on Tuesday(22nd Nov 2022) banned all construction activities in the dry area around the Sukhatal lake, a rain-fed water body that recharges the Naini lake.
* A division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice R.C. Khulbe imposed the ban while hearing suo motu a PIL against the beautification and rejuvenation work going on around Sukhatal.
* The State Environment Impact Authority and the State Wetland Management Authority have also been made parties and notices have been issued to them in this regard.
* During the hearing, amicus curiae (friend of the court) Kartikeya Hari Gupta told the court citing hydrological studies that the Sukhatal lake recharges the Naini lake up to 40% and 50%.
* However, concrete is being laid at the base of the lake, which is a threat to both the lakes, Gupta said.
* The state government did not conduct any environmental survey before starting the beautification of the area, he said.
* IIT-Roorkee did conduct a study but the institute does not have the expertise to determine the environmental impact of the constructions around the lake, Gupta said.
* Nainital resident G.P. Sah and others had written a letter to the chief justice of the high court, saying the ongoing beautification of the lake will lead to a closure of its natural water source.
* Sukhatal recharges the Naini lake and construction activities are being carried out around the water body in an unscientific manner, they had contended..
Source : The Wire
