Nagpur: The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has questioned the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) regarding the action it plans to take against businessman Ankur Agarwal, who allegedly used Surabardi Lake land for private purposes for 19 years. The court has directed the Corporation to submit an affidavit within two weeks.
The matter came to light through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by farmer Nitin Shendre, seeking the conservation of Surabardi Lake, which spans 75.39 hectares and serves as a crucial drinking water source for nearby villages. The case was heard before a division bench of Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi.
In 2005, VIDC had leased a portion of Surabardi Lake land to Ankur Agarwal for ten years to promote tourism. However, no tourism project was initiated, and the corporation took no action against the violation. Even after the lease expired in March 2015, VIDC delayed reclaiming the land for nine years.
Following a rap from the High Court, VIDC recently took possession of the land. However, it has yet to clarify what action will be taken against Agarwal for unauthorized use of the property. The court has now directed VIDC to submit a response on the matter.
Advocate Sudhir Malode represented the petitioner in court.
Encroachment on pandhan road:
The petitioner has also alleged encroachment on pandhan road, which connects Surabardi village to the lake. Due to the construction of three houses, the 60-meter-wide road has been reduced to just 10 feet. The court has sought a response from the District Collector on this issue as well.