Why in news?
On 28 April 2026 the Rajasthan High Court vacated a stay on a 100 MW solar project near Sambhar Lake. The court allowed the project to go ahead provided that solar panels are raised at least 1.5 metres above ground, triple re‑planting of trees is carried out and rainwater flows are not obstructed. The ruling seeks to balance renewable energy development with protection of migratory birds at India’s largest inland salt lake.
Background
Sambhar Lake, located about 60 km west of Jaipur in Rajasthan, is the country’s largest saline inland lake. It stretches up to 230 km² during the monsoon but often dries out in summer. Seasonal streams fill the shallow basin, and a 5‑km stone dam built by the British divides the eastern part into salt pans. The lake’s saltworks have been operating for more than a thousand years and are now managed by Hindustan Salts and the Government of Rajasthan.
Ecological importance
- Ramsar site: Sambhar is a wetland of international importance. Its shallow, alkaline waters host specialised algae and bacteria that give the lake striking colours and provide food for tens of thousands of migratory birds, including greater and lesser flamingos.
- Myth and history: According to local lore, the lake was created when the goddess Shakambari turned a forest into a pond of brine to end a drought in the 6th century CE. Mughal emperors later controlled the salt pans, and ownership passed to the princes of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
- Salt production: After monsoon waters evaporate, a thick layer of salt forms. This natural resource has supported local economies for centuries.
The court ruling and its implications
- Location of the project: The proposed solar park is about 2.25 km from the lake. Petitioners argued that it encroached on wetland, but an expert report found no water body on the site.
- Conditions set by the court: Panels must be elevated so that birds can nest and move below; for every tree cut, three saplings must be planted; and rainwater channels cannot be blocked.
- Balancing ecology and development: The bench relied on the principles of sustainable development and the precautionary approach. It emphasised that renewable energy projects should not come at the cost of wetlands and migratory bird habitats.
Significance
Sambhar Lake is a vivid example of the need to harmonise economic activity with environmental protection. Salt extraction and renewable energy bring jobs and revenue, but they must be planned carefully to safeguard the wetland’s ecological integrity. The High Court’s conditions create a precedent for future solar projects near sensitive ecosystems. Ongoing monitoring and community involvement will be essential to ensure that the lake remains a sanctuary for migratory birds while supporting sustainable development.
