In Brief
Swacch Association, an environmental NGO, challenged constructions at Futala Lake in Nagpur—including a Viewer's Gallery, Musical Fountain, and artificial Banyan Tree—claiming they violated environmental laws and the public trust doctrine. Although the Court found Futala Lake is a man-made waterbody not technically a 'wetland' under statutory rules, it upheld the High Court's directions preventing permanent construction there. The Court held that the public trust doctrine extends to man-made waterbodies created from natural resources, and recognized Article 21's right to a healthy environment. The Court balanced public recreational activities with environmental protection, requiring that the lake serve both public good and ecological health, ultimately dismissing the appeal while reiterating protective directions.
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