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Bhopal's Upper Lake Encroachments Demolished in NGT-Led Crackdown

Authorities in Bhopal have carried out a demolition drive to remove illegal structures within 50 meters of the Upper Lake's Full Tank Level, complying with a National Green Tribunal order. The joint operation by the Municipal Corporation and district administration resulted in the demolition of 11 commercial shops and one house. Officials stated that 38 structures had been previously identified for removal, with some occupants failing to provide proper ownership documents. The action was taken under the Bhoj Wetland Rules, which strictly prohibit construction in the protected zone around the lake.

Key Points: NGT Order Leads to Demolition Near Bhopal's Upper Lake

  • Illegal structures demolished near Upper Lake
  • Action follows National Green Tribunal order
  • 11 shops and 1 house removed so far
  • Bhoj Wetland Rules prohibit construction in 50m zone
  • 38 total structures identified for removal
2 min read

Madhya Pradesh: Encroachments around Bhopal's upper lake removed following NGT orders

Bhopal authorities demolish illegal structures within 50m of Upper Lake following National Green Tribunal orders. 12 structures removed so far.

"It was NGT's order that structures which are lying in a 50-metre radius of the lake's FTL should be removed. - Archana Sharma"

Bhopal, April 6

A team of Municipal Corporation and the district administration carried out a demolition drive in Bhopal near the Upper Lake, removing the illegal structures built within a 50-metre radius of the lake's Full Tank Level in compliance of National Green Tribunal's order, an official said.

The action was undertaken by a joint team of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation and district administration on Monday in accordance with the Bhoj Wetland Rules, which prohibit any construction within the specified 50-metre zone of the Upper Lake's FTL.

During the operation, adequate police personnel were deployed, and officials were also present at the site to ensure smooth execution.

"It was NGT's order that structures which are lying in a 50-metre radius of the lake's FTL should be removed. Therefore, in compliance with the order, the structures are being removed. So far, 11 commercial shops and one house have been demolished and subsequently informed other residents that the demolition action will be continued further," said Archana Sharma, SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate), TT Nagar, Bhopal.

The officer further said that earlier, 38 structures under her jurisdiction were identified to be removed, and a few of them were vacated previously.

"Some occupants were remaining, who claimed their ownership and were given enough time to present the document, but could not provide proper documents. Following which, it was proved that they were merely squatters and evicted," she added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good step for the environment, but my heart goes out to the small shop owners. Their livelihood is gone in a day. The administration should have a proper rehabilitation plan in place before such drives. It's not just about removing structures, it's about people's lives.
V
Vikram M
Why does it always take an NGT order for our civic bodies to act? The Bhoj Wetland Rules have existed for years. The BMC should have been proactive in preventing these encroachments in the first place, not waiting for a tribunal to crack the whip. This is a failure of local governance.
R
Rohit P
As a Bhopal resident, I've seen the lake area degrade over time. These shops were dumping waste directly. The 50-meter rule is crucial for the lake's catchment area. Hope they continue the drive consistently and don't stop after a few demolitions. The entire periphery needs to be cleared.
S
Sarah B
Visiting Bhopal last year, the Upper Lake was beautiful but the encroachments near the edges were an eyesore. This is a positive move for sustainable urban planning. Protecting water bodies is critical for any city's future, especially in India.
N
Nikhil C
The article says they were given time to present documents but couldn't. So they were squatters. Can't have sympathy for those who illegally occupy land, especially near an ecologically sensitive zone. The law is the law. Hope this sets an example.

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