SC Extends Public Trust Doctrine to Man-Made Lakes
Why focus: Expands Public Trust Doctrine to artificial lakes — GS3 Environment, tests core conceptual understanding and SC precedent.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The Public Trust Doctrine explicitly covered only naturally occurring resources like rivers, oceans, and natural forests. NOW: The doctrine officially encompasses eco-friendly man-made structures and artificial water bodies that serve a vital ecological function.
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BEFORE: Artificial lakes were often treated as standard municipal property, making them vulnerable to arbitrary commercial development. NOW: The State holds these artificial bodies as a trustee for the public, strictly limiting concretization and commercialization.
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BEFORE: Environmental protection for artificial water bodies depended heavily on specific municipal bylaws or their formal notification under the Wetland Conservation Rules. NOW: Broad constitutional protection under the Public Trust Doctrine provides an overarching safeguard for ecologically active artificial lakes.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Public Trust Doctrine in India? 1. The doctrine was first firmly established in Indian jurisprudence through the M.C. Mehta vs Kamal Nath case. 2. Following the Supreme Court judgment on Futala Lake, the doctrine now applies exclusively to naturally occurring water bodies and excludes man-made structures.