The Supreme Court has decided to look into a PIL, seeking direction to stop “illegal” extraction of saline water from Sambhar lake in Rajasthan for making salt.
The petition also sought the court to issue directions to protect flora and fauna, particularly flamingos and other migratory birds.
Borewells
The PIL filed by Naresh Kadyan contended that saline water of the lake was being taken out through borewells for producing 21 lakh tonnes of salt.
Senior advocate Jayant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner, said illegal water extraction had adversely affected the lake and the large number of migratory birds flocking it.
A bench of Justices K S Radhakrishnan and Dipak Misra told Bhushan to send a copy of the PIL to the Centre and the Rajasthan government for their response.
Demarcation
The petition sought direction for demarcation of the lake for the purpose of rainwater harvesting, recharging of ground water and prevention of illegal extraction of water and encroachment of surrounding land.
Statutory framework
Among others, the PIL also urged the court to direct the Centre and state government to put in place proper statutory framework to protect the Sambhar lake.
PETITION: PIL filed by Naresh Kadyan contended that saline water of the lake was being taken out through borewells for producing 21 lakh tonnes of salt.