The government has a duty to protect natural resources under the public trust doctrine, ensuring their conservation for public use and preventing illegal encroachments.

ORDER

24.10.2024

REPORTABLE

By the Court:

1. Water is an invaluable and precious natural resource essential for the survival of all living beings. We cannot imagine life without water. Let it be animals, plants, they require water to complete their daily metabolic activity. Plants require water to synthesis their food from the process of photosynthesis. A living being can live without food for some days but cannot even imagine surviving without water, even plants became dry and shed their leaves without water.

2. Water is one of the natural resources, which is found in an adequate amount. It is an essential source for the existence of life on the planet earth. It is widely used for various purposes such as drinking, washing, bathing, cleaning, cooking, irrigation and other industrial and domestic uses.

3. The sources of water are diverse, including rainwater, groundwater—found in wells and springs—and surface water, which encompasses reservoirs, streams, ponds, lakes, tanks, and rivers. Although approximately 97% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, only about 2-3% is safe and suitable for drinking. The majority of the remaining water is saline, while two- thirds of the planet's freshwater is trapped in glaciers, making it largely inaccessible for human use. This underscores the urgent need for everyone to reduce water wastage and conserve this precious resource for future generations.

4. Rivers and water bodies, which grace our planet, play a vital role in shaping and sustaining life as we know it. From ancient civilizations to modern society, humanity has depended on these majestic waterways for survival, development, and prosperity. The significance of rivers and water bodies in our lives is immense, influencing everything from climate regulation and food production to trade and transportation. These vast water bodies are fundamental to the existence of animals, plants, and humans alike, forming the very backbone of life on Earth.

5. While rivers constitute only a small portion of the earth’s total water volume, they are distributed in harmony with different geographical features and climates across the world. Rivers are vital sources of irrigation, agriculture, drinking water and energy production.

6. Rivers also have any environmental regulatory function. Rivers near cities and agricultural areas play a role in regulating local climates through their water-carrying capacity and flood prevention effects. Additionally, surface water evaporation from rivers can influence local humidity and precipitation levels.

7. Rivers contribute to food production by providing irrigation water to the surrounding agricultural lands. Agriculture plays a vital role in feeding the world’s population, and river banks often support fertile soil for agricultural purposes.

8. Water bodies and rivers are vital water resources as the heart of our lives. These vast water bodies play critical roles in climate regulation, food production, transportation and cultural. However, environmental threats and human activities pose challenges to these essential water sources. Thus, sustainable water resource management and conservation are of utmost importance for the well-being of our planet and future generations.While rivers comprise only a small fraction of the Earth's total water volume, they are intricately woven into the fabric of diverse geographical features and climates worldwide. These waterways serve as vital sources for irrigation, agriculture, drinking water, and energy production.

9. Moreover, rivers play a crucial role in environmental regulation. Those located near urban areas and agricultural lands help modulate local climates through their capacity to manage water flow and mitigate flooding.