The Patna High Court in the case Kumar Amit vs. The Union of India observed and has directed the Chief Secretary to monitor the revival of Moti Jheel through an officer who is authorized by him.
The Division bench comprising of Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice Madhuresh Prasad in the case observed and has asked the Chief Secretary for authorising the officer to suitably monitor the revival work personally. Thus, it has been directed by the authorized officer for filing the report every three months before the Chief Secretary.
In the present case, the PIL was moved by one advocate Kumar Amit for the renovation, rehabilitation, and conservation of Moti Jheel, a historical lake which is situated in the heart of Motihari, East Champaran, Bihar. Therefore, it has been emphasized by the petitioner in the case that the lake’s historical significance, as it served as the ‘starting point of India’s Independence movement’ during the first Satyagraha movement.
It has also been argued by the Amit before the court that Champaran has immense tourism potential and can be developed by the State. There is depredation of the eco-system in and around the lake, degradation of the water quality by reason of defecation, the dumping of solid waste and waste water, wherein it caused inlet blockage and the environmental problems in and around the lake.
The Division bench of court in the case observed and has earlier directed the state Chief Secretary to convene a meeting to address the concerns and by a further order, wherein it highlighted the four issues which is being dissatisfied with the affidavit filed by the Chief Secretary in compliance of the previous order.
The court in the case observed that the said issues include incomplete dredging and desilting work, the removal of encroachments in and around the water body, the development of infrastructure which includes the embankments and parks, and beautification of the complex by planting trees and by removing the encroachments on Ratnagiri channel, which being the main source for recharging Moti Jheel.
Therefore, the supplementary counter affidavit has been filed before District Magistrate of East Champaran, wherein addressing the concern raised by the court.
Further, the court in the case was informed that the efforts to remove encroachments around the lake have already begun, with the 108 out of 158 identified structures have been removed. Thus, it has also been pointed out by the court that there are ongoing legal proceedings related to 16 government buildings, and in four writ petitions, there is a status quo directed to be maintained.
Accordingly, the court disposed of the writ plea.
The counsel, Advocate Ms. Roona appeared for the petitioner.
The counsel, Advocate, Mr.Yogendra Prasad Sinha represented the respondent.
