Patna High Court Demands Answers on Kabar Tal Wetland Encroachment Delay
In a significant hearing on Thursday, the Patna High Court raised serious concerns over the prolonged failure to reclaim the notified area of Kabar Tal wetland in Begusarai, Bihar. The court was monitoring a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) focused on the "ground truthing" process for three protected wetlands in the state.
Court Questions 36-Year Inaction
A division bench, led by Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Alok Kumar Sinha, directly questioned the state authorities. They demanded an explanation for why Kabar Tal has not been restored to its full notified area of 14.2 thousand acres, even 36 years after it was granted protection under wildlife laws. The bench emphasized the urgency of the matter, directing the state government to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) and a clear timeline for removing all encroachments from the lake stretch.
Understanding Ground Truthing
The term "ground truthing" refers to a comprehensive process that combines satellite surveys and mapping of aquatic areas with on-ground data collection. This method is crucial for accurately demarcating wetland boundaries and assessing ecosystem health and biodiversity, thereby aiding in effective conservation efforts. In this case, it is being applied to monitor the status of notified wetlands in Bihar.
State's Response and Findings
Advocate General P K Shahi provided an update to the court, revealing that district magistrates from Begusarai and Jamui recently held a meeting after verifying the conditions of Nagi Dam and Nakati Lake bird sanctuaries in Jamui, along with Kabar Tal in Begusarai. He reported that while the Jamui wetlands showed no signs of encroachment, Kabar Tal faced significant encroachment issues, highlighting a disparity in conservation efforts across the state.
Alarming Discrepancy in Wetland Area
Advocate Dinu Kumar, representing the Veterans Forum for Transparency in Public Life, presented compelling documents to the court. He pointed out that Kabar Tal was officially notified on June 20, 1989, with a designated wildlife area of 15.78 thousand acres. However, under the Wetland Management Rules of 2017, satellite atlas data indicated that only 1.56 thousand acres were currently recognized. This stark discrepancy means that approximately 14.21 thousand acres of land have yet to be reclaimed for protection.
Kabar Tal is recognized as Asia's largest freshwater ox-bow shaped lake, making its conservation critical for regional biodiversity and environmental balance. The failure to reclaim this vast area raises serious questions about the implementation of wildlife protection laws and wetland management policies in Bihar.
Next Steps and Hearing Adjournment
The court has adjourned the matter, scheduling the next hearing for April 15. This gives the state authorities time to prepare their ATR and proposed timeline, which will be scrutinized for feasibility and commitment to wetland restoration. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how protected areas are managed and enforced across Bihar and potentially other regions in India.
The Patna High Court's intervention underscores the growing judicial emphasis on environmental accountability and the need for timely action in preserving natural habitats. As the hearing progresses, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if concrete steps are taken to safeguard Kabar Tal and uphold the integrity of wetland conservation laws.
