Guwahati, Oct. 24 -- The Supreme Court has stressed that courts cannot overlook the failure to protect vital water bodies, directing states and relevant authorities to physically verify and demarcate wetlands.

A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi observed that water bodies are precious resources as they serve as sources of drinking water and their protection falls within the ambit of the fundamental right to life guaranteed under the Constitution.

"This Court cannot remain a mere spectator or be unmindful of the consequences flowing from water bodies remaining unprotected," the bench said.

To ensure effective protection, the court reiterated its directions to state governments and wetland authorities to conduc...