Supreme Court Restrains Bihar Government from Filling Historical Ponds in Darbhanga
The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar government to stop all activities related to the filling of historical ponds in Darbhanga, including Gangasagar, Digghi, and Harahi Lake. The court's order came after allegations that the state was converting these water bodies into public amenities under the guise of beautification and rejuvenation projects.
In a hearing on Thursday, a bench of the Supreme Court warned the state government not to touch the ponds without its explicit approval. The court emphasised that water bodies are vital for the environment and local ecology, and any interference must be justified and lawful. The judges instructed the government to ensure that the areas of the ponds remain intact and that no construction or filling is undertaken without prior permission from the court.
The project in question aimed to beautify and rejuvenate these historical water bodies, but petitioners argued that the work was damaging the ponds and their surroundings. The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the need to balance development with environmental conservation, especially for water bodies that have cultural and ecological significance.
Bihar government officials have been asked to submit a detailed report on the status of the ponds and the proposed beautification plans. The next hearing is scheduled for two weeks later, during which the court will review the government's response and decide on further action.
