Raipur traffic police and the municipal corporation carried out a joint anti-encroachment drive, removing illegal roadside structures and seizing promotional material from shops.

The Raipur traffic police and municipal corporation have launched a joint action against roadside encroachments, targeting more than 50 shopkeepers who were allegedly occupying roads and footpaths.The drive was conducted on key routes including Kotwali Chowk to Jaistambh Chowk and Lodhipara Chowk to Mandi Gate Road to improve traffic movement and reduce congestion.The action was carried out under the direction of Police Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Shukla and supervision of DCP Traffic Dr Archana Jha, along with the municipal corporation’s enforcement team.

Action taken against roadside encroachments

During the two-day drive from Kotwali Chowk through Malviya Road to Jaistambh Chowk, officials took action against shopkeepers who had placed goods and structures on roads and footpaths.

The team seized:

• 4 roadside carts

• 12 tables

• 15 cloth display stands

• 5 flex boards

• Tarpaulin stands and other materials

A fine of ₹4,000 was also collected during the action.

Three illegal structures removed with bulldozers

On the Lodhipara Chowk to Mandi Gate route, authorities removed three temporary illegal structures built along the roadside using bulldozers.Apart from this, promotional materials placed outside 11 shops were also seized.According to officials, traffic movement improved after the removal of these obstacles and congestion on the route reduced.

Campaign ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

The anti-encroachment drive has been intensified ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, when major markets and roads in the city are expected to witness increased public movement.Traffic police have appealed to traders and citizens not to place goods, banners or promotional material on roads, footpaths or dividers.Officials said that joint action by the traffic police and municipal corporation will continue against illegal encroachments across the city.

Authorities identify hundreds of violations around Upper Lake, but removal remains slow as Ramsar site faces ongoing pressure

Encroachments Choke Bada Talab

Bhopal's iconic Bada Talab, also known as Upper Lake, continues to face severe encroachment threats, with surveys revealing widespread violations in its buffer zone. Officials have identified numerous illegal structures, including houses, hotels, and boundary walls built perilously close to the Full Tank Level (FTL).

Surveys Reveal Scale of Violations

Recent demarcation drives across zones like TT Nagar and Bairagarh have flagged significant encroachments. In TT Nagar circle, 127 violations were marked, with 59 private and 78 government-related. Bairagarh saw 220 cases, where removal efforts are reportedly underway. Overall, reports point to hundreds of structures within prohibited areas, many within 50 metres of the FTL in urban stretches.

NGT Directives Spark Action

The National Green Tribunal has repeatedly pulled up authorities for delays in protecting the lake, a designated Ramsar site of international importance. Following NGT rebukes and petitions highlighting sewage inflow and boundary violations, fresh surveys gained momentum. In early 2026, revenue teams identified 153 illegal structures within the 50-metre buffer in key areas, prompting a pre-Holi crackdown under Wetlands Rules.

Influential Structures Under Scanner

Encroachments involve private bungalows, swimming pools, farmhouses, and commercial setups. Hotels such as Jahannuma, Sayaji, Wind and Waves, and restaurants near Van Vihar have come under scrutiny. Government constructions, tourism facilities like the boat club, and even slums along the shoreline feature in lists. In areas like Sewania Gond, Bishankhedi, and Surajnagar, fencing, tin sheds, and permanent buildings stand within restricted zones.

Historical Neglect and Multiple Surveys

Past efforts have yielded limited results. A 2016 DGPS survey pegged the lake's area at 38.72 sq km but the report stayed buried. Subsequent checks found missing FTL pillars—only 802 of 943 located, with many submerged or vanished. Despite Supreme Court and NGT directions for demarcation, encroachments persisted. Experts note no construction is permitted within 50 metres in urban areas, yet violations continue unabated.

Sewage and Environmental Risks

Sewage from dozens of drains flows into the lake, worsening pollution. Environmentalists point to land mafia tactics, including fake pillars confusing boundaries and low-priced plot sales. The catchment area sees farmhouses and resorts crowding edges in villages like Bhadbhada and Gauragaon.

Impact on Bhopal's Lifeline

As a vital water source and biodiversity hub hosting rare birds, Bada Talab's degradation threatens Bhopal's ecological balance and drinking water security. Public health concerns rise with untreated inflows, while the Ramsar status demands stricter conservation under Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.

What Lies Ahead for Lake Protection

Authorities have issued notices and begun some removals, but large-scale action awaits. A task force monitors progress, with demarcation targeted before festivals. MP Alok Sharma has pushed for a master plan, and CM directions emphasise fresh surveys. Sustained enforcement will determine if the lake's lifeline can be reclaimed before irreversible damage sets in.