Udaipur, The proposal to open a cafeteria at the Ecotone Park on Badi Lake (Badi Talab) has been termed inappropriate in view of the lake’s fragile ecology, Mahseer fish conservation and water security. The Forest Department is responsible for protecting natural habitats, wildlife and biodiversity. Therefore, a proposal to expand commercial activities within an area developed for ecological conservation has drawn concern.
These views were expressed during a Jheel Samvad (Lake Dialogue) organised at Bari Ghat on Sunday. A cleanliness drive was also conducted before the dialogue.
Dr. Anil Mehta, lake conservation expert and member of the Mahseer Conservation Reserve Monitoring Committee, said Badi Lake is not merely a tourist destination but a vital aquatic ecosystem, a repository of biodiversity and a natural resource closely linked to Udaipur’s water security. He emphasised that the lake must be viewed from the perspective of ecological conservation rather than commercial utilisation. He called for declaring Badi Lake an ‘Eco-Sacred Lake’ to safeguard its natural character and ecological integrity.
Dr. Mehta noted that the Rajasthan High Court had issued directions concerning Mahseer conservation on April 4, 2017. Following the declaration of Badi Lake as a Mahseer Conservation Reserve, the responsibility to protect its ecosystem has become even more significant. He said any proposal that could increase human pressure around the lake must be carefully assessed against court directions, conservation provisions and potential environmental impacts before approval.
He further explained that conserving the sensitive Mahseer fish requires much more than protecting the open waters of the lake. Safeguarding its natural habitat, water quality, water flow, breeding grounds and upstream catchment area is equally essential. Accordingly, he called for preventing new commercial activities, including the proposed cafeteria, in and around the Mahseer Conservation Reserve and within Badi Lake’s upstream and zone of influence.
Tej Shankar Paliwal, former member of the Lake Development Authority, said a cafeteria could aggravate problems associated with food waste, plastic, disposable materials and wastewater disposal. Noise, artificial lighting and increased vehicular movement could also put additional pressure on natural habitats. Pollutants generated by these activities may reach the lake through rainwater runoff, potentially harming water quality and aquatic life. He stressed that such activities within the zones of influence of lakes and wetlands can adversely affect the environment and ecological balance.
Social worker Nandkishore Sharma said Badi Lake should not be viewed solely as a destination for tourism and recreation. Facilities such as cafeterias could attract more visitors and increase human activity in the area. Given the lake’s ecological sensitivity, conservation must take precedence over the expansion of commercial amenities.
Educationist Kushal Rawal urged the Forest Department and the administration to reconsider the proposed cafeteria at Ecotone Park and prohibit the expansion of commercial activities around the Mahseer Conservation Reserve and within the upstream and impact zones of Badi Lake.
Senior citizen Drupad Singh and lake enthusiast Vinod Kumawat said the lake’s natural tranquillity, Mahseer habitat and biodiversity must remain paramount. They urged the administration to ensure that no new activity undermines conservation efforts or defeats the objectives of the court’s directions.
The participants collectively called for prioritising the ecological protection of Badi Lake and ensuring that its long-term conservation and water security are not compromised by commercial interests.