JODHPUR, Feb. 1 -- The Central Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the formation of a joint committee, considering the allegations of untreated water being released into Mansarovar Lake (Kishanawat Ki Khedi pond) in Bhilwara district, illegal encroachments, and construction in violation of environmental norms as a serious environmental issue. In a hearing on Wednesday, the bench, comprising Judicial Member Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Expert Member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, while hearing a petition filed by the Public Power and Awareness Society, Bhilwara, noted: "There are illegal encroachments, construction in violation of environmental rules, and discharge of untreated water into the said water body, resulting in enormous growth of water hyacinth, damaging the aquatic life. It is further submitted that the entire lake has become a garbage dump, polluting the surrounding air." The tribunal issued notices to all the respondents, including the state government, directing them to file their replies within four weeks. A joint committee has also been constituted to investigate the matter on the spot. The committee will include a representative of the Bhilwara collector, a representative of the Water Resources Department, and a representative of the Member Secretary of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. The committee has been asked to conduct a site inspection and submit a report on the factual situation and the actions taken within four weeks. The next hearing in the case will be held on April 16, 2026....