Jodhpur, July 11 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday directed the district collector and the municipal council of Bhilwara to remove encroachments from two prominent lakes in Kotri village and ensure that no untreated sewage is discharged into these water bodies. It also instructed the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) to take appropriate legal action and submit a compliance report within two weeks. The tribunal, comprising justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert Member A Senthil Vel, was hearing an application filed by Vishnu Kumar Vaishnav concerning environmental degradation of Dharmao Talab and Fatehsagar (Bada Talab), two water bodies situated at the heart of Kotri in Tehsil Banera. The applicant alleged that these lakes, which are vital sources of water for local residents and agriculture, are facing extensive pollution from untreated sewage and encroachments within their catchment areas. According to the plea, Dharmao Talab, originally spread over 104 bighas, has now shrunk to around 77 bighas. It was further alleged that officials, including the sarpanch, were complicit in these encroachments. This was confirmed by the sub-divisional officer and the tehsildar. The tribunal observed that despite earlier orders from the Rajasthan high court in Abdul Rehman vs. State of Rajasthan and a previous NGT directive in Om Prakash Saini vs. State of Rajasthan calling for restoration and protection of such water bodies, authorities failed to comply. During the hearing, the joint committee confirmed illegal constructions, untreated water discharge, and a significant decline in water quality. In its order, the tribunal said: "We direct the Collector concerned and the Municipal body to take remedial actions, remove the encroachments within the time frame and ensure not to discharge any untreated water into the water body/lake area. The State PCB is directed to take necessary action according to rules and to submit the report within two weeks."...