Bhopal: The demarcation drive to identify constructions within the 50-meter restricted zone around Bhopal’s Upper Lake has resumed after the Holi festival. On Monday, a team from the TT Nagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office, along with officials from the municipal corporation, police and forest department, began the exercise from the Sevania Gond area near Bhadbhada.
Revenue officials carried out the measurement using official maps and field markers. Constructions found within 50 meters of the Full Tank Level (FTL) boundary were marked with red paint to indicate possible encroachments. The exercise aims to clearly establish the protected boundary around the lake and identify unauthorized structures.
According to officials involved in the operation, about one kilometre of the lakefront area was surveyed on the first day. During the inspection, around 10 encroachments were identified. Most of them are private constructions, including fencing, tin sheds and swimming pools built within the restricted zone.
During the demarcation process, authorities also found that a portion of a property registered in the name of Rekha Tiwari, mother-in-law of former RTO constable Saurabh Sharma, falls within the FTL boundary. Sources said that nearly two years ago the Lokayukta, Income Tax Department and Enforcement Directorate had investigated properties linked to Sharma, during which several assets were reportedly attached.
Local sources claim that Sharma and his associates, identified as Chetan Gaur and Sharad Jaiswal, were frequently seen visiting the area. Row-house construction activity had also been reported on the land, although the houses are said to be located slightly away from the main demarcated stretch. Officials have begun verifying land records and ownership documents as part of the inquiry.
Tehsildar Kunal Rawat said that a list of all identified encroachments is being prepared. Property owners whose constructions have been marked will be served notices, after which action may be taken as per legal provisions. Removal of illegal structures could follow depending on the findings of the survey.
Officials from the municipal corporation, police and forest department remained present during the operation. Revenue inspectors and patwaris used maps and GPS equipment to measure the land and verify the boundary points. The administration confirmed that the demarcation exercise will continue on Tuesday and is expected to cover additional stretches of the lakefront.
Upper Lake, one of Bhopal’s most important water bodies, plays a crucial role in the city’s drinking water supply and ecological balance. In recent years, increasing construction activity and alleged encroachments around the lake have raised environmental concerns, prompting authorities to tighten monitoring and enforcement around the protected zone.
