The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has sought clarification from the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) on the action it intends to take against businessman Ankur Agarwal for allegedly using Surabardi Lake land for private purposes for 19 years. The court has instructed the corporation to submit an affidavit within two weeks.
The issue came to light through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by farmer Nitin Shendre, advocating for the conservation of Surabardi Lake, which spans 75.39 hectares and serves as a vital drinking water source for nearby villages. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi.
In 2005, the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) leased a portion of Surabardi Lake land to Ankur Agarwal for ten years to promote tourism. However, no tourism project was undertaken, and VIDC failed to take any action against the violation. Even after the lease expired in March 2015, the corporation delayed reclaiming the land for nine years.
Following a directive from the High Court, the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) has reclaimed possession of the land. However, it has yet to clarify the action it intends to take against Ankur Agarwal for the unauthorized use of the property. The court has now ordered VIDC to submit a response on the matter.
Advocate Sudhir Malode represented the petitioner in court.
Encroachment on Pandhan Road
The petitioner has also raised concerns about the encroachment on Pandhan Road, which connects Surabardi village to the lake. The construction of three houses has reduced the 60-meter-wide road to just 10 feet. In response, the court has sought clarification from the District Collector regarding this issue.