Roop Sagar Lake Controversy: Residents Raise Questions Over Historic Drainage System and Beautification Works
Udaipur: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Roop Sagar Lake, long-time local residents have made several claims regarding the lake's original structure and natural drainage system. According to them, Roop Sagar Lake was once connected to another smaller lake situated on privately owned land, allowing excess rainwater to flow naturally between the two water bodies.
Residents claim that Roop Sagar Lake originally covered nearly 50 bighas, while the adjoining smaller lake extended across approximately 30–35 bighas. They allege that construction later took place on the site of the smaller lake, disrupting the natural flow of water.
Claims About the Old Embankment and Drainage System
Eyewitnesses said the lake earlier had an earthen embankment (pal) on which bullock carts used to pass. They stated that the Municipal Corporation later constructed a road and a permanent embankment. According to the residents, the outlet (mori) that carried excess water from the lake was narrowed during the beautification work, reducing its discharge capacity during heavy rainfall.
Residents further claimed that during the heavy rains of 2011, the lake overflowed. They believe that if the original drainage system had remained intact, the overflow could have been significantly reduced.
Questions Raised Over Changes to the Water Outlet
According to local residents, the original outlet was wide enough for a person to pass through, whereas the present opening is considerably smaller. They alleged that the outlet was altered during the lake's beautification, although they said they do not know who ordered or carried out the modification.
Allegations of Sewage Entering the Lake
Residents also alleged that sewage and wastewater from nearby colonies are now flowing into Roop Sagar Lake, polluting its water. They warned that unless corrective measures are taken, the condition of the lake may deteriorate further in the coming years.
Call for Lake Conservation
The local community suggested that authorities adopt a comprehensive plan that protects the lake while preventing flooding in nearby residential areas. They said that proper drainage management and infrastructure development can be carried out without compromising the lake's ecological importance.
Reference to Supreme Court Verdict
During the interaction, one family claimed that it had fought a legal battle over the land for three generations and possesses a copy of a Supreme Court judgment related to the dispute. They described the area as being of historical and ancestral significance to their family.
Demand for Independent Investigation
Residents have urged the administration to conduct an independent technical investigation into the original structure of Roop Sagar Lake, its historic drainage channels, the beautification work, and archival records related to the lake. They believe such an inquiry would help establish the factual position and guide future conservation efforts.
Note: The statements in this report are based on claims and accounts made by local residents during interactions with the media. These claims have not been independently verified. The version of the administration or the concerned authorities was not available at the time of publication and should be included when received.
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