Jaipur: As the Sambhar Festival 2025 wrapped up Wednesday, the residents of the Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency took to heart the fate of the famous Sambhar Lake, petitioning BJP MP Rao Rajendra Singh to advocate for urgent conservation measures.In a letter dated Dec 31, Gaurav Dadhich, on behalf of the youth and residents of Sambhar town, underscored the ecological significance of the lake, designated as a Ramsar site of international importance. Known for housing over 340 species of migratory birds, the lake is particularly famous for attracting some of the largest populations of Greater and Lesser Flamingos. The plea articulated concerns over environmental degradation, pollution, and disruptive human activities, warning that these factors jeopardise both the lake and its avian visitors. “Declaring it a bird sanctuary will safeguard the birds, preserve ecological balance, promote tourism, and generate employment opportunities for local youth,” the letter stated, highlighting the urgent need for action. The residents and environmentalists have called on the central govt to elevate Sambhar Lake to bird sanctuary status, deeming it essential for nature conservation. Despite being designated as a Ramsar site in 1990, the lake was never officially classified as a wetland under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1978, leaving conservation efforts fragmented and unaccountable. A senior official from the forest department voiced the limitations faced due to the lack of jurisdiction over the lake, saying, “Since it is not under the forest department’s jurisdiction, we cannot stop (commercial and tourism) activities at the lake.” Concerns have intensified following a grave incident of Dec 2023, where mass deaths of migratory birds were reported due to avian botulism. In response, the Rajasthan govt initiated monitoring of the lake under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules of 2017. Steps were taken to establish the bounds of the lake and create a buffer zone, yet an overarching integrated management plan delineating permissible tourism activities is still pending. “Any regulated activity at the lake requires state govt permission, with requests scrutinised by the district environment committee, but it seems that non-eco-friendly activities continue on the lakebed,” lamented Abid Ali Khan, an advocate for the lake’s conservation who previously approached the National Green Tribunal for intervention. Experts caution that surging human activity has drastically altered the lake’s habitat, endangering its fragile ecosystem. “Tourism activities should be designed to promote eco-tourism, not destroy it forever,” said local bird watcher Bajrang Khumwat.
