Nagpur — The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has directed concerned government departments to submit an affidavit within a week regarding encroachments around Surabardi Lake, located on Amravati Road. The directive came during a hearing presided over by Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Sachin Deshmukh.

Court’s Instructions:

• The court asked officials to identify the Khasra numbers (survey plots) that constitute the Surabardi Lake area.
• The Tehsildar and City Survey Department are to assist in compiling this data.
• The affidavit must also include:
  • Land measurements
  • Changes, if any, in the official name of the lake
  • Details of encroachments on land officially owned by the Irrigation Department

Lake Ownership & Encroachment Concerns:

• According to records, part of the encroachment lies on the dam, which is under the Irrigation Department’s jurisdiction.
• Khasra documents confirm the department’s ownership of the encroached land.
• The court had earlier questioned what action has been taken against those responsible for polluting the lake and encroaching on its surroundings.

Previous Observation:

• In a prior hearing, the bench verbally observed that no immediate action should be taken against a few residential structures in the Surabardi area. However, this was not a formal stay order.

About Surabardi Lake:

• The lake spans approximately 75.39 hectares.
• It serves as a water source for Surabardi village and nearby areas.
• The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by citizen Nitin Shendre, who alleges that unauthorised constructions are polluting the water, rendering it unfit for drinking.

 Legal Representation:

• Advocate Ravi Sanyal appeared for the Pollution Control Board
• Advocate Gemini Kasat represented the Irrigation Department
• Advocate Deepak Thakre appeared on behalf of the State Government