Jodhpur: Rajasthan High Court has directed Jodhpur Municipal Corporation to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the maintenance and development of all municipal parks in the city and ordered detailed restoration of the historic 82-acre Umaid Udhyan.A division bench of Justice PS Bhati and Justice Praveer Bhatnagar, in an order uploaded on Monday, directed Municipal Commissioner Rahul Jain to submit a plan detailing proposed measures for the parks, the officers and authorities responsible, and timelines for implementation. The court also ordered regular compliance and progress reports as part of its continuing monitoring.The directions came during the hearing of a petition filed by Poonam Chand Katariya, who said administrative apathy had left Umaid Udhyan, built in 1935, in disrepair. The petition stated that sludge from small ponds and lakes was being dumped in the garden, causing a foul smell and damaging its greenery.Petitioner’s counsel Rajesh Parihar proposed measures including sludge removal, soil restoration, recapping, landscaping, plantation, and restoration of pathways, water bodies, lighting, benches and other public amenities.The court observed that preserving historically significant urban green spaces and public parks could not be treated merely as beautification, and was linked to environmental protection, public health, heritage preservation and the common good.Jain informed the court that 200 dumpers of sludge had already been removed and levelling work would follow. The proposed restoration plan includes heritage-themed landscaping, beautification, improved parking, a cycle track, visitor amenities, fountains, internal circulation, restoration of green areas and measures to enhance the park’s tourism potential.The court also ordered a baseline assessment of the entire 82-acre Umaid Udhyan, covering its soil, greenery, trees, pathways, water bodies, lighting, amenities and sludge-affected areas, supported by geo-tagged photographs and videos.Senior Advocate and Pali MP PP Choudhary, appearing through video conferencing, urged the court to address the wider issue of greenery and cleanliness in Jodhpur. He submitted that not only Umaid Udhyan but several municipal parks required attention, and that greenery and cleanliness were “basic needs” of citizens.Jain told the court there were approximately 150 parks under the Corporation and assured that a comprehensive approach would be adopted for their development, with possible assistance from NGOs and local residents willing to contribute.The matter has been listed for Sept 1. The court directed Municipal Commissioner, Jodhpur Development Authority Commissioner and Deputy Conservator of Forests to remain present with compliance reports. Secretary, Local Self Government, and Director concerned were directed to join through video conferencing.
