NGT Slams Bhopal Municipal Corporation Over Bhoj Wetland Delay

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has come down heavily on the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bhopal district collector for their prolonged failure to remove encroachments from the Bhoj Wetland. The Tribunal's Central Zone Bench made this observation while hearing an application filed by Rashid Noor Khan.

The NGT directed the authorities to remove all encroachments from the Full Tank Level (FTL) and notified buffer zone in accordance with the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. The Tribunal also remarked that the continued delay in identifying, demarcating, and measuring the wetland boundary indirectly implies intentions to protect certain constructions done in the prohibited area in violation of environmental norms.

The state government's counsel assured the Bench that appropriate action would be taken before the next date of hearing. The NGT directed the BMC and the Collector to submit a fresh compliance report detailing action taken to remove encroachments before the next hearing, scheduled for July 29.

The case has been pending since 2020, but the Tribunal noted that authorities have yet to complete the basic exercise of demarcating the wetland. During the hearing, the applicant's counsel submitted that although a few encroachments had been removed, several major illegal structures continue to exist within the protected area.

The BMC informed the Tribunal that encroachments exist on wetland, private, and government land, and argued that action in some cases was restrained because the affected properties are protected by interim orders of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. However, the Tribunal clarified that while orders of higher courts must be respected, they cannot be cited as a blanket reason to allow illegal constructions to continue.

The Tribunal directed the civic body to determine whether the disputed structures fall within the prohibited wetland area or violate the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and to take action in accordance with law. Despite the Tribunal first seeking an action report on October 7, 2025, the BMC has failed to submit even a single compliance report despite six hearings over the past year.

The NGT's criticism of the BMC's inaction on the Bhoj Wetland encroachments is a significant development in the case. The Tribunal's observations highlight the need for urgent action to protect the wetland and its ecosystem. The BMC's failure to submit a compliance report despite multiple hearings has raised questions about the civic body's commitment to environmental conservation.

The Bhoj Wetland is an important ecosystem that provides habitat to several species of plants and animals. The wetland is also a crucial source of water for the city of Bhopal. The removal of encroachments from the wetland is essential to protect its ecosystem and ensure the long-term sustainability of the water source.

In conclusion, the NGT's criticism of the BMC's inaction on the Bhoj Wetland encroachments is a wake-up call for the civic body to take urgent action to protect the wetland and its ecosystem. The BMC must submit a compliance report and take action to remove encroachments from the wetland in accordance with the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

The significance of this case extends beyond the Bhoj Wetland. It highlights the need for effective enforcement of environmental laws and regulations in India. The NGT's observations emphasize the importance of protecting wetlands and other ecosystems from encroachments and pollution. The case also underscores the need for civic bodies to take proactive measures to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development.

Overall, the NGT's criticism of the BMC's inaction on the Bhoj Wetland encroachments is a significant development in the case. It highlights the need for urgent action to protect the wetland and its ecosystem, and emphasizes the importance of effective enforcement of environmental laws and regulations in India.