The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Bombay High Court’s decision declining to classify Nagpur’s Futala Lake as a ‘wetland’ under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, thereby permitting the State authorities to proceed with temporary constructions such as a floating restaurant, banquet hall, musical fountain, and viewing gallery around the lake.

 

A bench of Chief Justice Bhushan Gavai and Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria dismissed the petition filed by city-based NGO-Swachh Association, which had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court raising concerns about the breach of environmental safeguards under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and argued that the raising temporary structures like floating restaurants, musical fountains, banquet halls, and viewing galleries was illegal and harmful to the ecosystem. They argued that such activities would disturb the natural environment and ecological balance of the area. However, both the Bombay High Court and now the Supreme Court disagreed with these claims.

 

The courts ruled that Futala Lake does not meet the legal definition of a wetland and that the proposed structures are temporary in nature, meant for tourism and public recreation. The Supreme Court stated that since there was no permanent alteration to the natural character of the lake, the claim of environmental violations could not be accepted. With this ruling, the Maharashtra Government has received the final clearance to proceed with its ambitious Futala Lake Development Project. The project had been on hold for several months due to legal hurdles and pending hearings. The new order means construction activities - including the floating restaurant, musical fountain, and viewing gallery - can now resume without further delay. Local residents have expressed happiness over the verdict, saying the project will enhance Nagpur’s beauty and tourism appeal. Many citizens had visited the site during the trial shows of the musical fountain earlier this year and were impressed by the visuals and music. After the construction resumes, authorities plan to complete the remaining work in a few months. 

 

 

The Futala Lake Redevelopment Project, costing over Rs 75 crore, aims to create a modern tourist hub in the heart of Nagpur. It combines cutting-edge technology with cultural expression. The project features a grand musical fountain that uses lasers, 3D projections, and colorful lighting to create a visual spectacle. The 40-minute multimedia show includes Marathi, Hindi, and patriotic songs, offering an engaging experience for all age groups. The design and music have been developed with inputs from well-known musicians and creative experts.