Bhopal Bhoj Wetland Survey Faces Challenges

A team conducting a drone survey to verify the actual Full Tank Level (FTL) of Bhoj Wetland in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, faced significant challenges on the second day of the survey. The team had to wade through water and mud to search for old boundary markers, which were not visible at several spots, including Khanugaon.

The survey, directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), aims to identify the actual FTL of the wetland. However, the team encountered difficulties in locating old boundary markers, which are essential for determining the FTL. In some areas, even Municipal Corporation officials and revenue inspectors were unaware of the locations of these markers.

To overcome this challenge, the team will cross-check the positions of the missing markers with official records. The water spread identified through drone imagery will be marked as the FTL. On the first day of the survey, around seven kilometers of the lake boundary were measured.

The survey team conducted ground-truthing at several locations, including the under-construction cruise site and Army Sports Area in Khanugaon, Kohefiza village, Fiza Farm in Halalpura, behind Landmark Marriage Garden, and near Chirayu Hospital. At Fiza Farm, the team found a concrete bridge with water extending beyond it, while behind Landmark Marriage Garden, debris and landfill material had raised the roadside level despite waterlogging in the surrounding area.

The drone survey was initially planned to be launched from Kohefiza, but due to the lack of ATC permission, the team shifted to Bhadbhada Chowk as an alternative launch point. The survey continued until around 3 pm, and the team plans to survey the Bairagarh area and Chhota Talab in the coming days.

The presence of water hyacinth and aquatic vegetation was observed near the Karbala Pump House and Shirin River, while water was seen flowing over retaining walls at several locations. The survey is a crucial step towards redrawing the boundaries of the Bhoj Wetland and ensuring its conservation.

The Bhoj Wetland is an important ecosystem that supports a wide range of flora and fauna. The NGT's direction to conduct the survey is a significant step towards protecting the wetland and its surroundings. The survey's findings will be crucial in determining the course of action for the conservation of the Bhoj Wetland.

In a separate development, the Bairagarh SDM circle demolished permanent structures, including roads and gates, in three illegal colonies at Bairagarh Kalan on Sunday. The demolition is part of the efforts to prevent encroachment and protect the wetland.

The survey's outcome will have significant implications for the conservation of the Bhoj Wetland and its surroundings. The findings will help in identifying the areas that require protection and conservation, and will inform the development of strategies for the sustainable management of the wetland.

In conclusion, the drone survey of the Bhoj Wetland is a critical step towards its conservation. Despite the challenges faced by the survey team, the exercise is expected to provide valuable insights into the wetland's boundaries and ecosystem. The findings will be essential in informing the conservation efforts and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Bhoj Wetland.