Bhopal's Bhoj Wetland Demarcation Begins with Drone Survey

The demarcation of Bhopal's major water bodies and wetlands, including the Bhoj Wetland, Kerwa, and Kaliasot, has reached its final stage. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) to conduct a drone survey of the wetlands, which may begin on Saturday, depending on favourable weather conditions and the water level reaching the prescribed Full Tank Level (FTL).

The NGT has given a 15-day deadline to a seven-member committee to complete the fresh demarcation. The committee includes a four-member expert panel comprising environmentalist Dr Subhash C. Pandey, advocate Prashant M Harne, Rashid Noor Khan, and municipal corporation superintending engineer Santosh Gupta.

The drone survey will be conducted in compliance with the NGT's directions, which state that the wetland gates should not be opened once the water reaches the FTL. However, if the water level crosses the FTL point, the gate can be opened, and once the level stabilizes, the gates will be closed.

The Centre has granted permission for drone operations within the wetland's no-fly zone. The survey team will assemble at Bhadbhada at 9 am to discuss the survey plan. Bhadbhada has been selected as the starting point as water reaches the Kaliasot system after being released from the dam.

The actual drone flight will depend on visibility, rainfall, and the water level. The survey will begin as soon as conditions become suitable. The exercise will include a site survey, drone mapping, geo-tagging, ground-truthing, remote sensing, and satellite imagery, besides verification of existing boundary markers and pillars.

The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has opened one gate of the Bhadbhada Dam, which is expected to remain open until 10 pm. Once the gate is closed and the water level stabilizes at FTL, the drone survey can be conducted.

The demarcation of the Bhoj Wetland is crucial for the conservation of the wetland and its surrounding ecosystem. The NGT's directions aim to ensure that the wetland is protected and preserved for future generations.

The Bhoj Wetland is an important water body in Bhopal, providing habitat for various species of plants and animals. The demarcation of the wetland will help to identify the boundaries of the wetland and prevent encroachment and pollution.

The Madhya Pradesh government has been taking steps to conserve and protect the state's wetlands, including the Bhoj Wetland. The demarcation of the wetland is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

In conclusion, the demarcation of the Bhoj Wetland is an important step towards conserving and protecting the wetland and its surrounding ecosystem. The NGT's directions and the Madhya Pradesh government's efforts aim to ensure that the wetland is preserved for future generations.

The outcome of the demarcation exercise will have significant implications for the conservation of the Bhoj Wetland and its surrounding ecosystem. It will help to identify the boundaries of the wetland, prevent encroachment and pollution, and ensure that the wetland is protected and preserved for future generations.