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Bhopal Demolishes Illegal Structures in Upper Lake Catchment Area

Authorities in Bhopal continued a demolition drive to remove illegal structures within the 50-meter catchment area of the Upper Lake, a designated Ramsar site. The joint team from the Municipal Corporation and district administration targeted constructions on private land in the Lalghati area. Officials stated that 63 encroachments were identified, with 44 on private land and 17 on government land. The action is part of ongoing enforcement of the Bhoj Wetland Rules, which prohibit construction in the protected zone around the lake.

Key Points: Bhopal Removes Encroachments in Upper Lake Catchment Area

  • Joint anti-encroachment drive in Lalghati
  • 63 illegal structures identified near lake
  • Action follows Bhoj Wetland Rules
  • 10 encroachments demolished so far
2 min read

MP: Municipal Corporation continues removing encroachments in Upper Lake's catchment area

BMC and district administration demolish illegal structures within 50m of Upper Lake's Full Tank Level to protect the Ramsar wetland site.

"Bhoj wetland is a ramsar site...we identified illegal encroachment within a 50-metre zone - Tehsildar Harsh Vikram Singh"

Bhopal, April 10

A joint team of the Municipal Corporation and the district administration continued their demolition drive to remove the illegal structures built within the catchment area of the Upper Lake's Full Tank Level on Friday, an official said.

The team of Bhopal Municipal Corporation and the district administration carried out action in Lalghati area in the state capital and demolished the illegal structures built on private lands within a 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.

"Bhoj wetland is a ramsar site and the lake's Full tank level (FTL) was jointly decided by teams of Municipal Corporation, Revenue department, Forest Department and district administration. After that we identified illegal encroachment within a 50-metre zone of the lake's FTL (catchment area), finding 63 constructions which include 44 on private land and 17 on government land," Tehsildar Harsh Vikram Singh told ANI.

He added, "Additionally, 121 encroachments were found in slum areas. We decided to remove encroachment on private land on April 10-11 while April 15-16 on government land. Today, the municipal corporation carried out an action on illegal encroachment on private land within the radius of the catchment area."

Meanwhile, anti-encroachment operations in charge Mahesh Gaur said that the action was being carried out to remove the structures built unauthorised in catchment areas and along the upper lake edges.

"An action is underway to remove the structures that are built illegally and without permission in catchment areas and along lake edges. So far, 10 identified encroachments have been demolished since morning and the action will be continued further," Gaur said.

Earlier this week, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation and district administration jointly carried out demolition action in the Bhadbhada area in the city in accordance with the Bhoj Wetland Rules, which prohibit any construction within the specified 50-metre zone of the Upper Lake's FTL.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While protecting the lake is crucial, I hope the administration has a proper rehabilitation plan for the people living in those 121 slum encroachments. Just demolition without an alternative is not a solution. They are citizens too.
A
Arjun K
This is a classic case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. How were 63 constructions, including on private land, even allowed to come up in a Ramsar site's catchment area? Where was the monitoring all these years? The system failed first.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves visiting Bhopal, it's heartening to see efforts to preserve the Upper Lake. It's a beautiful and vital ecosystem. Hope this drive continues without political interference. The lake's health affects everyone.
V
Vikram M
The 50-metre FTL zone rule has been there for years. People who built there knowingly took a risk. Action is justified. But what about the officials who gave permissions or looked the other way? They should be held accountable too. #CleanBhopal
K
Kavya N
Bhopal's identity is linked to its lakes. This demolition drive, though harsh, is necessary for long-term environmental security. We've seen what happens to lakes in other cities like Bengaluru. Prevention is better than cure. 🌊

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