Setting the Context
Nestled in the heart of Udaipur, famously known as the City of Lakes, Fateh Sagar Lake is more than a scenic reservoir—it is a vital ecological and cultural lifeline for the city.
Originally constructed in 1687 by Maharana Jai Singh and later reconstructed in 1889 by Maharana Fateh Singh, the lake exemplifies centuries-old wisdom in water management and urban resilience.
Functioning as a major source of drinking water, the lake also sustains Udaipur’s economy by supporting tourism, biodiversity, and recreational activities like boating. Iconic features such as Nehru Park, the Udaipur Solar Observatory, and the serene promenade reflect the lake’s blend of utility and beauty.
However, the lake is now facing a grave environmental threat. With rapid urbanization, Fateh Sagar is suffering from growing issues of solid waste dumping, untreated sewage discharge, and encroachment, all of which are accelerating its decline.
Recent water quality assessments show a rise in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and alarming levels of nutrient enrichment, causing deoxygenation and ecosystem stress.
In this context, the Earth5R BlueCities model offers a promising roadmap. With a track record of success in Mumbai’s Mithi River and other urban ecosystems, Earth5R’s model blends citizen engagement, scientific restoration, and corporate partnerships to regenerate degraded rivers and lakes.
Key Problems Facing the Lake (with Data and Sources)
Sewage and Wastewater Pollution
One of the most critical threats to Fateh Sagar Lake is the direct discharge of untreated sewage from nearby residential colonies and commercial hubs. The Udaipur Municipal Corporation (UMC) has historically struggled with the city’s sewage treatment infrastructure, resulting in a significant treatment gap.
Studies have recorded high levels of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) in Fateh Sagar Lake, indicating heavy organic pollution and low oxygen availability for aquatic life.
The BOD levels have ranged from 6 to 9 mg/L, significantly above the permissible limit of 3 mg/L for bathing-quality water as defined by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Solid Waste Dumping
The periphery of Fateh Sagar has become a hotspot for illegal dumping of solid waste, including plastic packaging, construction debris, and food waste from lakeside vendors. During tourist seasons and festivals, the waste volume spikes drastically—exceeding the capacity of local cleanup efforts.
Inadequate waste bins, irregular garbage collection, and lack of citizen awareness contribute to the problem. With Udaipur generating over 200 tonnes of waste daily, a large proportion remains unsegregated and is dumped near or into natural water channels, eventually reaching Fateh Sagar.
The accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic poses a serious challenge to the lake’s ecological balance and aesthetics.
Water Quality Degradation
Water quality in Fateh Sagar has deteriorated sharply over the past decade due to the combined effects of sewage and solid waste pollution. Recent assessments have revealed dangerously low levels of Dissolved Oxygen (DO), particularly in post-monsoon months.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews, DO levels in some zones have dropped below 4 mg/L, threatening aquatic species that depend on higher oxygen concentrations.
The presence of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium has also been detected in sediment samples, likely introduced through urban runoff and industrial discharge.
Algal blooms, foul odors, and visible color changes in the water are further indicators of advanced eutrophication—a condition where excessive nutrients lead to the explosive growth of algae, which suffocates other aquatic life.
Loss of Biodiversity
The lake, once home to diverse species of fish, birds, and aquatic plants, is experiencing significant biodiversity loss. A comparative study by Mohanlal Sukhadia University revealed a 30% decline in native fish populations and a noticeable drop in migratory bird visits over the past decade.
Encroachment, pollution, and shrinking habitats have disrupted the delicate ecological web that once thrived here. Invasive species and deteriorating water quality have further marginalized sensitive native organisms that are unable to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Riverbank and Catchment Encroachment
Urban expansion has led to rampant encroachment on the lake’s catchment area, reducing natural recharge zones and disrupting the lake’s hydrology. Satellite imagery shows that nearly 40% of the surrounding land has been altered for real estate, tourism infrastructure, or informal settlements.
The construction of roads and commercial properties around the lake has narrowed the natural flow channels that feed Fateh Sagar, leading to increased sedimentation and reduced water inflow. These encroachments not only degrade water quality but also increase vulnerability to urban flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Groundwater Contamination
Due to the interconnectedness of surface water and groundwater systems, pollutants from Fateh Sagar are leaching into nearby groundwater reserves.
Tests conducted by local environmental groups have shown elevated levels of nitrates and E. coli in wells within a 2 km radius of the lake, suggesting leakage of untreated sewage and surface runoff into aquifers.
This contamination poses a serious public health risk to local residents who rely on groundwater for drinking and household use. Without proper remediation, this hidden crisis could escalate into a larger water security issue for the city.
Consequences of Lake Neglect
The ongoing neglect of Fateh Sagar Lake has far-reaching impacts that go beyond environmental degradation. It poses serious threats to public health, economic stability, and social equity in Udaipur.
When a water body that supports tourism, livelihoods, and biodiversity deteriorates, the consequences reverberate across every layer of urban life. Below, we unpack the real-life impacts of the lake’s pollution and mismanagement.
Public Health Risks
The deteriorating quality of water in Fateh Sagar has created a breeding ground for waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. The presence of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria in and around the lake has been confirmed by water quality assessments, raising serious public health alarms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that proximity to polluted water bodies can elevate the risk of skin infections, gastrointestinal issues, and respiratory problems, particularly among children and the elderly. In Udaipur’s case, the degradation of its iconic lake has become a silent public health crisis.
Increased Urban Flooding
Another consequence of lake neglect is the rising incidence of urban flooding, exacerbated by encroachments and silt accumulation. The lake’s natural inflow and outflow systems have been disrupted due to illegal construction, as detailed in this Times of India report on catchment area threats.
During the monsoon season, Fateh Sagar often fails to absorb runoff due to clogged feeder channels and sediment-laden lakebeds, leading to flash floods in surrounding neighborhoods.
Such events not only damage property but also overwhelm the city’s already strained drainage infrastructure, as seen in the 2016 flooding incident that affected hundreds of households.
Economic Losses
Fateh Sagar Lake is a major contributor to Udaipur’s tourism economy, attracting thousands of visitors every year for boating, sightseeing, and cultural activities. However, pollution, foul odors, and degraded aesthetics are steadily reducing its appeal.
Moreover, pollution-linked health issues and flooding events incur hidden economic costs, including rising public healthcare expenditures, property damage, and loss of working days.
According to studies on urban environmental degradation, these indirect costs can account for 2–3% of a city’s GDP, and Udaipur is no exception. Without timely intervention, the city risks losing the economic vitality anchored by its lake ecosystem.
Social Inequality
Lake neglect disproportionately affects the urban poor. Informal settlements near Fateh Sagar often lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, leaving residents more exposed to polluted groundwater and contaminated lake water.
While tourist-facing areas receive intermittent beautification drives, the marginalized zones around the lake continue to suffer from garbage accumulation and sewage discharge.
As highlighted by various environmental justice frameworks, this uneven impact is a sign of environmental injustice—where vulnerable communities bear the brunt of systemic neglect.
Why Past Efforts Have Failed
Fragmented Responsibilities Between Government Bodies
One of the biggest challenges facing Fateh Sagar’s restoration is the overlap of administrative responsibilities between multiple agencies such as the Udaipur Municipal Corporation (UMC), Urban Improvement Trust (UIT), and Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB).
A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has previously flagged the absence of inter-agency coordination as a key reason for project failures. Without a unified water body management authority, projects for sewage treatment, waste removal, and encroachment clearance lack coherence and long-term sustainability.
Focus on Beautification Over Ecological Restoration
Most interventions have focused on the aesthetic aspects of the lake—landscaping promenades, installing street lights, or organizing boat festivals—rather than ecological restoration. While such measures improve visual appeal temporarily, they do little to improve water quality, biodiversity, or sediment balance.
As noted by environmental NGOs like Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti, which have been involved in conservation activism in Udaipur, these beautification drives are often executed without scientific assessments or community consultation, leading to cosmetic outcomes that fade quickly with seasonal stresses.
No Real-Time Public Monitoring Systems
A significant gap in lake management has been the absence of real-time, transparent water quality monitoring systems. While periodic tests are conducted by government bodies, the data is often not available in the public domain or is released long after relevance. This lack of transparency erodes public trust and reduces citizen engagement in restoration efforts.
In comparison, successful models like the Mithi River Cleanup in Mumbai, supported by Earth5R, have used IoT sensors and digital dashboards to enable real-time water quality tracking, community alerts, and open data transparency—tools that are critical for adaptive lake management. Fateh Sagar’s management has yet to embrace such tech-enabled governance.
Lack of Continuous Citizen Engagement and Ownership
Many conservation campaigns around Fateh Sagar have relied on one-time clean-up drives, rallies, or awareness walks. While these generate short-term enthusiasm, they fail to build long-term stewardship among residents.
Studies show that community-led monitoring, lake-keeper programs, and participatory decision-making are essential for sustainable outcomes.
Models like Earth5R’s community-first mobilization emphasize citizen training, livelihood linkage, and ecological literacy, making locals not just beneficiaries but active custodians of their ecosystems. In Udaipur, the lack of such long-term community ownership models has meant that even the most well-funded projects lose traction once initial excitement fades.
What Needs to Be Done: The Blueprint for Complete Lake Restoration
Zero Untreated Sewage
A foundational step toward lake restoration is ensuring that no untreated sewage enters Fateh Sagar Lake. Presently, intermittent leakages and stormwater drains still carry urban effluents into the lake during monsoons, contaminating its ecosystem.
The city must implement interception and diversion of drains, upgrade existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and ensure compliance with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) norms. Earth5R’s work in Mumbai demonstrates how data-driven STP monitoring and citizen science audits can play a critical role in enforcing wastewater treatment protocols and reducing water pollution.
Solid Waste to Circular Economy
Solid waste mismanagement remains a persistent issue, with plastic wrappers, food containers, and religious waste frequently littering the lakebanks. This waste needs to be diverted into a local circular economy system where materials are recycled, upcycled, or composted rather than dumped.
Udaipur should invest in decentralized Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and empower local residents through waste segregation workshops. Earth5R’s circular economy model trains citizens and informal workers in plastic waste management, transforming pollution into livelihood opportunities and green jobs.
Ecological Restoration
True revival of Fateh Sagar hinges on restoring its native ecology. This includes reintroducing indigenous aquatic plant species, establishing biodiversity corridors, and reviving adjacent wetlands that act as natural water filters.
Following examples like Earth5R’s wetland regeneration projects, Udaipur should partner with universities and environmental NGOs for ecological mapping and habitat creation. Techniques such as floating wetlands, bio-remediation patches, and riparian buffer zones can stabilize the lake’s ecosystem and promote biodiversity recovery.
Community Ownership Models
Any successful environmental project must secure long-term local stewardship. This can be achieved through citizen-led riverkeeper or lakekeeper programs, sustainability education, and skill development workshops that foster environmental awareness.
In the Earth5R model, trained volunteers conduct regular lake cleanups, report violations through apps, and lead environmental certification programs in schools and colleges.
Udaipur’s residents—including students, vendors, and corporate employees—should be engaged in workshops, training programs, and community-based lake monitoring, ensuring shared responsibility for the lake’s health.
Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution
The scale and complexity of restoring Fateh Sagar Lake demand more than just good intentions—they require a proven, structured, and expert-led framework. This is where the Earth5R BlueCities initiative becomes essential.
Data-Driven Lake Health Diagnosis
Earth5R starts with a comprehensive environmental diagnosis. Using tools like water sampling, GIS mapping, and community surveys, the organization generates real-time insights into pollution sources, water quality, and ecosystem health.
For instance, Earth5R’s citizen-led water audit in Mumbai helped identify key contamination points in the Mithi River, enabling targeted interventions. This data-first approach ensures that every action taken at Fateh Sagar is evidence-based and results-oriented.
Community-First Mobilization and Training
Earth5R’s strength lies in empowering communities. Through environmental workshops, citizen training programs, and sustainability certification courses, the initiative has mobilized thousands of urban residents into active environmental stewards.
In Mumbai, school children, local shopkeepers, and senior citizens were all engaged in ongoing cleanups and environmental education. A similar model in Udaipur can lead to consistent citizen participation in lake maintenance, rather than episodic campaigns.
Ecological Restoration Based on Science
Unlike projects that focus solely on aesthetics, Earth5R integrates scientific ecological restoration—including wetland creation, riparian buffer establishment, and native species replanting.
In collaboration with institutions like MIT and IISc, Earth5R has worked on projects to restore polluted water bodies into thriving ecosystems. The same science-backed techniques can be customized for Fateh Sagar Lake, reviving its aquatic biodiversity and water quality in a sustainable way.
Waste-to-Recycling Circular Economy Integration
Earth5R transforms waste from being a problem into a livelihood-generating solution. Their Circular Economy model has empowered hundreds of waste pickers, local women, and youth through plastic waste management training and community recycling units.
In Udaipur, this model can create green jobs while addressing the lake’s solid waste crisis. Earth5R’s work with CSR partners in Pune is a great example of how businesses can contribute meaningfully while meeting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ESG goals.
Corporate, CSR, and Government Partnership Models
No large-scale environmental effort can succeed without strategic partnerships. Earth5R has developed robust multi-stakeholder engagement platforms, bringing together corporate CSR teams, urban local bodies, and community leaders.
Companies are encouraged to participate through employee engagement programs, green CSR projects, and sustainability workshops.
From Axis Bank’s cleanup drive in Mumbai to Hyundai’s awareness campaign, Earth5R has enabled impactful, measurable outcomes across cities. The same blueprint can be implemented in Udaipur with regional businesses and government agencies.
The Urgent Choice Before Us
The story of Fateh Sagar Lake is more than an environmental crisis—it’s a reflection of the urban priorities we’ve set and the urgent need to course-correct. Once a thriving freshwater source and a symbol of Udaipur’s natural wealth, the lake today stands on the brink of ecological collapse.
What we need now is a structured, scientific, and inclusive approach—one that not only revives our water bodies but transforms our cities into climate-resilient ecosystems. The Earth5R BlueCities model offers this exact blueprint: a data-driven, community-powered solution that is scalable, inclusive, and proven.
The model’s success in Mumbai’s Mithi River—a once-toxic waterway now undergoing scientific cleanup through citizen participation and CSR engagement—proves that river restoration and sustainability are not just dreams, but real, achievable goals when done right.
This isn’t just about fixing a lake. It’s about laying the foundation for climate action, sustainable development, and ecological justice. Udaipur has a real chance to become a BlueCity—a beacon of urban sustainability, green job creation, and environmental innovation.
Data Snapshot Box: Fateh Sagar Lake’s Critical Indicators
For any effective river or lake restoration project, data is the foundation. Without transparent and up-to-date environmental indicators, it becomes impossible to track deterioration—or progress.
In the case of Fateh Sagar Lake, a look at key metrics reveals the urgency of intervention and underscores the need for real-time monitoring systems as advocated by the Earth5R BlueCities model.
Here’s a consolidated snapshot of the lake’s current health indicators, based on studies by Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, and local environmental NGOs.
| Indicator | Current Status | Source |
| Sewage Treated | Less than 30% of sewage from nearby colonies is treated before entering the lake | RSPCB Annual Report |
| BOD Level | Ranges between 4.2 to 6.5 mg/L (highly unsafe for aquatic life) | MPUAT Study |
| Dissolved Oxygen (DO) | Drops to critically low levels (~2.5 mg/L) during summer months | Environment Impact Assessment Survey |
| Plastic Waste Accumulation | 1.5 to 2 tonnes of plastic waste collected per month | Local NGO Reports |
| Biodiversity Loss | Over 40% decline in native aquatic flora and fauna in the past decade | Zoological Survey of India |
| Encroachment | Nearly 20% of the lake’s catchment area affected by urban encroachment | Urban Planning Department, Udaipur |
| Groundwater Contamination | Detected nitrate and iron content exceeding safe limits near the periphery | RSPCB Water Testing Report |
These numbers make one thing clear: Fateh Sagar Lake is under immense stress. Without real-time public dashboards and IoT-enabled pollution sensors, these figures will only worsen—and the opportunity for preventive action will be lost.
As Earth5R’s successful implementation of citizen monitoring systems in Mumbai has shown, community-backed data platforms are key to restoration transparency and accountability.
Urban Sustainability Opportunities for Udaipur
Restoring Fateh Sagar Lake is more than an isolated environmental project—it is a gateway to transforming Udaipur into a model of urban sustainability and resilience.
The health of the lake reflects the broader ecological and social dynamics of the city, making it essential to integrate river and lake restoration with wider urban development goals.
Through a holistic approach that combines science, technology, community engagement, and policy innovation, Udaipur can emerge as a flagship city in India’s Smart Cities Mission.
Waste Management and Circular Economy
Udaipur faces a growing challenge in managing its municipal solid waste, with limited recycling infrastructure and high dependency on landfills. The opportunity lies in adopting decentralized Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) that support plastic waste management and promote waste segregation at source.
Embracing a circular economy model, as championed by Earth5R’s waste-to-recycling initiatives, would significantly reduce waste entering the lake and surrounding environment while creating green jobs for local communities.
Sustainable Mobility and Transport
Rapid urbanization in Udaipur has increased vehicle emissions, exacerbating air pollution and contributing to the city’s carbon footprint.
Sustainable mobility solutions such as expanding electric public transport, promoting non-motorized transport (cycling and walking), and implementing smart traffic management systems can drastically reduce pollution loads.
These measures complement lake restoration efforts by improving overall urban air and water quality—key components of urban sustainability.
Urban Green Spaces and Biodiversity
Green spaces within the city act as natural buffers for pollution and flood control, while providing habitats for urban wildlife. Restoration of degraded urban forests, parks, and green belts around Fateh Sagar Lake is critical for enhancing biodiversity and improving citizens’ quality of life.
Initiatives such as community tree plantations, wetland restoration, and native species reintroduction align closely with Earth5R’s ecological restoration programs, fostering climate resilience and urban ecological balance.
Water Conservation and Management
Water scarcity remains a pressing issue for Udaipur, intensifying the pressure on Fateh Sagar Lake. Implementing rainwater harvesting retrofits, promoting greywater recycling, and improving stormwater management are vital for sustainable water resource management.
These practices not only reduce dependency on freshwater sources but also mitigate urban flooding risks—a recurring problem due to unplanned development.
Earth5R’s emphasis on community-based water conservation and skill development workshops can empower residents and institutions to adopt these water-smart practices citywide.
Carbon Footprint Reduction and Climate Action
Addressing climate change requires urgent action at the city level. Udaipur can pioneer urban carbon neutrality programs through targeted corporate carbon audits, renewable energy adoption, and green building certifications.
By engaging local industries and businesses in CSR and ESG initiatives, the city can create a supportive ecosystem for climate action. Earth5R’s collaborations with corporations on sustainable business models highlight how corporate social responsibility can be a powerful lever for environmental change.
Citizen Sustainability Engagement
Long-term success hinges on fostering an environmentally conscious citizenry. Udaipur’s residents can be mobilized through public green awards, eco-citizen mobile apps, and widespread environmental awareness campaigns.
Educational institutions and NGOs should expand environmental courses, certifications, and training workshops to build local capacity for sustainable living. Earth5R’s proven community mobilization model ensures that citizens are not just passive observers but active participants in the blueprint for sustainable urban transformation.
