Delhi
On June 7, 2000, the Delhi Jal Board and the Municipal Corporation announcement that they would create 150 ponds for rainwater harvesting. TAPAS, a non-governmental organisation, approached the Delhi High Court on June 22, 2000, to force government authorities to improve water availability and quality in the national capital. It sought restoration of neglected lakes and depressions in the city as well as the implementation of the announcement made by the authorities.
Hyderabad
The Andhra Pradesh High Court is hearing three different public interest petitions to protect the Hussainsagar lake. One seeks to prevent construction on or around the lake or its catchment area. Another aims to prevent heavy siltation due to annual immersion of idols in the lake during religious occasions.
Bhimtal
The lake region of the Kumaon Himalaya — including Nainital, Sattal, Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal — has paid a steep price for being a tourist hotspot. The rich but fragile ecosystem of the region — more than 60 per cent of the region is under forest or lakes — has been facing several environmental problems for the past 25 years: a falling water table, drying up of streams, degradation of the lakes’ catchment, heavy siltation and pollution due to drains garbage entering the streams, among others.
Surajkund
In a landmark judgement on October 5, 1996, the Supreme Court (SC) directed that “no construction of any type shall be permitted now onwards within 5 km radius of the Badkal lake and Surajkund” lake in Haryana. This was in response to a public interest petition by lawyer M C Mehta, who sought protection of the lakes from pollution caused by mining and stone crushing operations in the lakes’ catchment area.
Kolkata
Since 1980, the Howarh Gantantrik Nagarik Samiti (HGNS) has been trying to raise awareness about civic problems in Howarh area of Kolkata. It filed almost a dozen public interest petitions in the Calcutta High Court between 1982-1995.