NGT Orders Bhopal Officials To Clear Wetland Encroachments In 3 Weeks

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed revenue officials in Bhopal to clear encroachments from the Upper Lake, also known as Bhoj Wetland, within three weeks. The tribunal has fixed personal accountability on sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) and tehsildars for the removal of encroachments from wetland areas, Full Tank Level (FTL) zones, and other restricted areas.

The NGT's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal reviewed the state government's report on identified encroachments and demolition action in the Upper Lake's FTL area. The tribunal expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made so far and ordered all concerned SDMs and tehsildars to prepare a comprehensive list of illegal constructions violating wetland norms, FTL limits, restricted zones, and the Master Plan.

The state government had informed the tribunal that surveys conducted in seven villages identified 117 encroachments within the 50-metre FTL zone of the Upper Lake. Of these, 68 are on government land and 49 on private land. Officials said 45 encroachments have been removed, while 72 remain, including 45 on government land and 27 on private land.

The petitioners, including Dr Subhash C Pandey, argued that earlier NGT directions have not been fully implemented. They sought scientific demarcation of the Upper Lake, Kaliyasot, and Kerwa reservoirs, protection of the proposed 150-hectare botanical garden, and immediate measures to curb pollution caused by chemical fertilizers and pesticides in wetland areas.

The NGT rejected the excuse of police shortage and directed the Bhopal collector to include a police officer nominated by the commissioner of police or superintendent of police in the encroachment removal committee. This ensures that the lack of police personnel does not delay enforcement.

The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for August 31. The concerned officials have been directed to submit an affidavit within three weeks detailing the total number of encroachments, those removed, those still remaining, and the action taken against them.

The NGT's order is a significant step towards protecting the Bhoj Wetland, which is a vital ecosystem in the region. The wetland is home to several species of birds and fish and provides livelihoods to many people. The removal of encroachments is essential to preserve the wetland's ecological balance and ensure its sustainability.

The state government and the concerned officials must take immediate action to comply with the NGT's order. The deadline of three weeks is a tight one, and any delay or negligence could result in personal accountability for the officials involved.

In conclusion, the NGT's order is a welcome step towards protecting the environment and preserving the ecological balance of the Bhoj Wetland. The concerned officials must take immediate action to clear the encroachments and ensure that the wetland is protected for future generations.

The issue of encroachments in the Bhoj Wetland is not a new one. The wetland has been facing threats from human activities, including encroachments, pollution, and over-extraction of water. The NGT's order is a significant step towards addressing these issues and protecting the wetland.

The people of Bhopal and the surrounding areas have a significant role to play in protecting the Bhoj Wetland. They must be aware of the importance of preserving the wetland and its ecosystem. The government and the concerned officials must also take steps to raise awareness about the issue and involve the local community in the conservation efforts.

Overall, the NGT's order is a positive step towards protecting the environment and preserving the ecological balance of the Bhoj Wetland. The concerned officials must take immediate action to comply with the order, and the local community must be involved in the conservation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the wetland.