JUDGMENT 1. (Oral) - The land in question measuring 2 bighas and 10 biswas is 'Angore' land. Even in the revenue record the same has been recorded as 'Angore. land. The map which has been filed by the respondents along with the reply (page 96 of the Paper Book), also shows the area as pond area ('Talab Kshetre'). Since the land in question is part of the catchment area, it cannot be built upon. 2. In Hari Ram and Ors. v. The State of Rajasthan & Ors., DBCW Petition No. 1852/2002, decided on 29th April. 2003 , it was observed as follows:- "It is unfortunate that 'angore' lands in the State are being encroached upon or being allotted for raising housing colonies, schools, shops, commercial complexes and for various other purposes. If this trend continues, catchment areas in villages and towns will not be available for collection of water in the baories, nadis, tanks and lakes with the result that the State which is already suffering from drought for the last five years will suffer more because of non-availability of water. It is the duty of the State and village Panchayats to preserve and conserve the catchment areas for water harvesting during the rainy season. Keeping in view the interest of the public at large and having regard to the imperative need to protect, create and conserve water resources, we direct the State, Panchayats and concerned public bodies that henceforth 'angore' lands shall not be utilised for raising construction and they shall be left open without being tinkered with unless they are required for augmenting the water resources." 3. In view of the fact that water is a precious resource and has to be protected and conserved at every cost, we cannot permit the respondents to build upon the area in question. 4. In the circumstances, therefore, the writ petition is allowed and the allotment of land made in favour of respondents No. 6 and 7 is, hereby, quashed. The land shall be kept vacant by the concerned authorities and nobody shall be allowed to encroach upon it or build upon it.Writ Petition Allowed - Allotment of Land to Respondents 6 And 7 Quashed, Land to be Kept Vacant. *******