SC Approves Wetlands Near Ana Sagar Lake

• 27 May 2025

Why in News? 

The Supreme Court has approved the Rajasthan government’s comprehensive proposal to develop two new wetlands near Ajmer, aiming to restore ecological balance while ensuring sustainable urban development around Ana Sagar Lake.

Ana Sagar Lake

• Located in Ajmer, it is an artificial lake, built by Prithviraj Chauhan's father Arunoraj or Anaaji Chauhan in the middle of the twelfth century (1135-1150 AD).   
  • Due to being constructed by Aanaji, this lake was named Aana Sagar or Ana Sagar. 
• It is one of Ajmer’s most popular lakes and one of India’s largest lakes. 
• Later, the Mughal ruler Jahangir built Daulat Bagh, also known as Subhash Udyan, in the courtyard of the lake.  
• Shah Jahan constructed a marble Baradari (pavilion) around it in 1637 AD, which further enhances the beauty of the lake.

Key Points 

• Background: 
  • Ana Sagar Lake, an important urban water body in Ajmer, has faced ecological degradation due to unregulated development and human activities in its vicinity.  
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had earlier directed the removal of several unauthorized structures in the lake’s green zones, including a Seven Wonders replica to protect the lake’s ecosystem. 
• Locations of the Proposed Wetlands: 
  • Two wetlands will be constructed outside Ana Sagar’s catchment area: a 12-hectare wetland at Foy Sagar (Varun Sagar) Extension near Hathi-Khera, and a 10-hectare wetland at Tabiji-1. 
  • These wetlands aim to improve water retention, biodiversity, and ecological health in the region. 
• Scientific Review and Environmental Assessment: 
  • The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), appointed by the Ajmer Municipal Corporation, conducted a comprehensive environmental assessment. 
    • NEERI is a premier research institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), functioning under the Ministry of Science and Technology. 
    • It plays a vital role in environmental management, pollution control, and sustainable development through R&D, policy development, and technology innovation.

Wetlands 

• Wetlands are defined as areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water (natural or artificial) with water that is static or flowing, including marine areas with a depth not exceeding six meters.  
• Wetlands are ecotone, having land transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. 
• Significance of Wetlands:  
  • Natural Water Filters: Wetlands act as natural water filters by trapping sediments, breaking down pollutants, and absorbing excess nutrients.   
  • Flood Prevention: Wetlands absorb and store excess water, reducing flood risks by up to 60% and safeguarding homes and infrastructure, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). 
  • Habitat for Wildlife: Wetlands, though covering just 6% of the Earth’s surface, support over 40% of global species—including threatened ones like the Sarus Crane—making them vital wildlife habitats, as per Space Applications Centre (SAC). 
  • Carbon Sequestration: Wetlands store significant carbon in their soil and vegetation, and the Indian Network for Climate Change Assessment (INCCA) highlights their restoration as key to advancing India’s climate goals through carbon sequestration, cleaner water, and reduced flood risks. 
• Some of the Wetlands Located in Rajasthan: 

Protected Area	Wetland
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve	Padam talab  Rambagh  Malik talab
Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary	Pilader Lake
Ramgarh Wildlife Sanctuary	Bharutalab  Jetsagar  Shambhusagar
Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary	Acholi dam  Padakoh talab