The Rajasthan High Court, around November 19, 2025, directed the state government to submit a detailed response and conservation plan for Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer. Gadisar (also known as Gadsisar) is a 14th-century artificial water reservoir constructed by Maharawal Gadsi Singh to meet the water needs of his arid lands. It served as the primary water source for Jaisalmer town for centuries and is an architectural marvel surrounded by temples, cenotaphs (chhatris), and ghats. The lake's catchment area has shrunk sharply due to encroachment, urban pressure, siltation, and pollution from untreated sewage. It supports significant local biodiversity including migratory birds that visit in winter, making it an ecologically sensitive zone. The High Court's intervention follows petitions filed by environmental activists and local civil society groups. The case highlights the tension between rapid urbanisation and the protection of historic water bodies — a challenge across Rajasthan's many heritage lakes including Pushkar Lake, Ana Sagar, and Sambhar. Rajasthan has 562 notified water bodies, many of which face similar threats from encroachment and neglect.
Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer: Rajasthan High Court Directs State to Submit Conservation Plan for Endangered 14th-Century Reservoir
The Rajasthan High Court, around November 19, 2025, directed the state government to submit a detailed response and conservation plan for Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer. Gadisar (also known as Gadsisar) is a 14th-century artificial water reservoir constructed by Maharawal Gadsi Singh to meet the water needs of his arid lands. It served as the primary water source for Jaisalmer town for centuries and is an architectural marvel surrounded by temples, cenotaphs (chhatris), and ghats. The lake's catchment area has shrunk sharply due to encroachment, urban pressure, siltation, and pollution from untreated sewage. It supports significant local biodiversity including migratory birds that visit in winter, making it an ecologically sensitive zone. The High Court's intervention follows petitions filed by environmental activists and local civil society groups. The case highlights the tension between rapid urbanisation and the protection of historic water bodies — a challenge across Rajasthan's many heritage lakes including Pushkar Lake, Ana Sagar, and Sambhar. Rajasthan has 562 notified water bodies, many of which face similar threats from encroachment and neglect.
Key facts
- Rajasthan High Court directed conservation plan submission for Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer.
- The lake's catchment area has shrunk sharply due to encroachment and untreated sewage.
- It supports migratory birds in winter making it an ecologically sensitive zone.
- Environmental activists and civil society groups filed petitions triggering court intervention.
- Similar threats face Rajasthan's heritage lakes including Pushkar, Ana Sagar, and Sambhar.
- Rajasthan has 562 notified water bodies, many facing encroachment and neglect.
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Source: PIB
Frequently asked questions
What is Gadisar Lake and who built it?
Gadisar Lake is a 14th-century artificial reservoir in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It was constructed by Maharawal Gadsi Singh in the 14th century to meet the water needs of his arid lands and later served the town's water needs.
What action did the Rajasthan High Court take regarding Gadisar Lake?
Around November 19, 2025, the Rajasthan High Court directed the state government to submit a detailed response and conservation plan for Gadisar Lake in Jaisalmer, following petitions by environmental activists and civil society groups.
What are the major threats facing Gadisar Lake?
The lake's catchment area has shrunk sharply due to encroachment, urban pressure, siltation, and discharge of untreated sewage. These threats have degraded its ecological and heritage value significantly.
What is the ecological significance of Gadisar Lake?
Gadisar Lake supports migratory birds during winter, making it an ecologically sensitive zone. It is also an architectural marvel surrounded by temples, cenotaphs (chhatris), and ghats, giving it both ecological and cultural importance.
How many notified water bodies does Rajasthan have, and what challenges do they face?
Rajasthan has 562 notified water bodies, many of which face encroachment and neglect. Heritage lakes including Pushkar, Ana Sagar, and Sambhar face threats similar to those facing Gadisar Lake.
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