The Supreme Court on Tuesday confirmed the Bombay High Court's ruling, deciding that Nagpur's Futala Lake does not qualify as a 'wetland' under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. This decision followed a petition by the local NGO, Swachh Association, challenging the high court's order.

The bench, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, clarified that Futala Lake is a man-made waterbody, originally constructed for drinking water and irrigation, which excludes it from the statutory wetland definition. Consequently, the authorities have been permitted to carry out temporary constructions around the lake, including a floating restaurant and musical fountain.

The court stressed the need for responsible human activities in harmony with nature, advocating for legal measures to suppo

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