The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday disposed of a long-standing Public Interest Litigation concerning the Kartarpura Nullah after the Jaipur Development Authority assured the court that the drain's width would be fixed at 32.6 metres.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
A division bench comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Rajendra Prasad Sharma. The PIL had raised multiple issues, including protection of the Kartarpura drain, removal of encroachments, action against alleged land mafia, and ensuring the unobstructed flow of water. The petitioner had also sought action against officials for alleged negligence and demanded proper monitoring of the area.
Arguments Presented
During the latest hearing, the petitioner's counsel limited the arguments to the issue of the drain's width, contending that the earlier proposed breadth was not practical given the surrounding urban development and needed reconsideration.
Appearing for the JDA, counsel Amit Kuri informed the court that the authority had reviewed the matter and decided to set the nullah's width at 32.6 metres in line with ground realities. He also stated that construction work and related arrangements were already in progress.
Resolution and Directions
After the JDA's submission, the petitioner expressed satisfaction with the revised proposal. Taking note of the consensus between the parties, the court said no further adjudication was necessary and directed the JDA to comply with the assurance given before disposing of the petition. The court also emphasised the need for timely implementation to prevent recurrence of issues related to encroachment and water flow.
The disposal of this PIL marks a significant step towards addressing urban infrastructure challenges in Jaipur, with the JDA's commitment ensuring a practical solution for the Kartarpura Nullah.
