Fresh survey triggers crackdown ahead of Holi as authorities face NGT deadline
In a major development concerning Bhopal's ecological conservation, revenue officials have identified 153 illegal structures within the 50-meter Full Tank Level (FTL) buffer zone of the iconic Upper Lake, popularly known as Bada Talab. The discovery has reignited concerns over rampant encroachment at the Ramsar-designated wetland of international importance.
The survey, conducted across TT Nagar subdivision and surrounding areas, revealed a mix of temporary slums and permanent constructions—some allegedly owned by influential individuals. Additionally, encroachments were detected on 15 parcels of government land in Khanugaon, where surveying teams faced minor altercations with residents on Friday.
Wetlands Act 2022 Triggers Automatic Action
Officials have clarified that any construction carried out after March 16, 2022—the date when the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules came into effect—within the prescribed FTL buffer zone will be considered illegal regardless of permissions granted by municipal corporations or panchayats.
"In urban areas, the buffer is 50 meters from the FTL, while in rural areas it extends up to 250 meters," a revenue department official explained. "Post-2022 constructions face immediate action, while older structures must produce valid clearances from multiple agencies."
Two-Tier Action Plan Unveiled
Authorities have formulated a comprehensive strategy to address the Bada Talab FTL demarcation violations:
For post-March 2022 constructions: Automatic categorization as unauthorized, leading to immediate demolition proceedings
For pre-2022 structures: Owners must produce permissions from Municipal Corporation, Panchayat, Town and Country Planning, Environment Department, and Forest Department. Officials will investigate who granted these clearances.
Areas Under Scanner
The encroachment survey covered multiple villages including Sevania Gaud, Dharmpuri, Prempura, Aamkheda, Piplakhedi, Kotra Sultanabad, and Barkhedi Khurd. Specific findings include:
- 108 constructions in TT Nagar subdivision villages
- 3 houses near Khanugaon
- 7 houses in Halalpura
- 35 houses in Kohefiza
- Encroachments on 15 government land parcels in Khanugaon
Notably, officials marked red lines near the boundary wall of a college linked to MLA Arif Masood, as well as near bungalows of a minister and an IAS officer on VIP Road, indicating the crackdown extends across political and bureaucratic circles.
Demarcation Deadline Before Holi
District Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates with jurisdiction around Upper Lake to complete demarcation before the Holi festival. The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has been tasked with identifying drains discharging sewage into the lake.
MP Alok Sharma, who raised objections regarding the encroachment three days ago, has advocated for a comprehensive master plan for the lake's protection.
A Decade of Surveys, Minimal Action
Despite three separate surveys over the past ten years—including a 2016 DGPS survey, an NGT-directed survey, and a recent Supreme Court-ordered survey—sustained action has remained elusive. Only one major eviction drive occurred in the last decade when 386 homes were removed from Bhadbhada slum settlement two years ago following NGT orders.
Environmental expert Rashid Noor emphasized the gravity of the situation: "Upper Lake is a Ramsar site of international importance. No construction should exist within 50 meters in urban limits. Yet permanent structures, farmhouses, and resorts have been built right up to FTL markers in Bhadbhada, Bisankhedi, Gauragaon, and Suraj Nagar."
Allegations of FTL Marker Manipulation
Complicating enforcement efforts are reports of irregularities in FTL boundary markers. Five different types of markers have been found along the lake's edges, with only one bearing the "BMC" inscription. Encroachments are reportedly concentrated around questionable markers, raising concerns of deliberate manipulation by land mafias.
As authorities race against time to complete demarcation before Holi, environmentalists hope this crackdown—unlike previous efforts—will translate into sustained on-ground enforcement protecting Bhopal's vital water heritage.
