After National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered to stop emissions from diesel engines, terming them a threat to humans and aquatic life, 'Lake Princess' cruise and 'Jalpari' motorboats were stopped sailing in Upper Lake since Thursday.

The Tourism Development Corporation also did not operate about 20 motor boats along with cruises and Jalpari(Motor boat).

Earlier on Wednesday, after remaining closed during the day, the cruise had taken only two rounds in the evening. The ticket counter remained closed on Thursday. Tourists returned due to closure of cruise and motor boat operations.

On September 12, the National Green Tribunal had ordered to ban the operation of cruise and motor boats in any water bodies of the state including Bhoj Wetland (Upper Lake ), Narmada.

On Thursday, the decision was taken to completely shut down operations. Boat Club Manager RS Mishra said that cruise or any motor boat is not being operated on Thursday. It has been decided to keep it closed.

More than a thousand people reach the boat club every day. Most of these people also enjoy boating. See the waves of Bada Talab closely through cruise and motor boat. Apart from this, private boats also operate from here. Everyone's fare is different. Tourism Development Corporation officials say that they are studying the NGT order. At the same time, legal advice is also being taken. Only after this will we take further steps.

Lake cell had given notice

Following the NGT order, the Lake Conservation Cell of Bhopal Municipal Corporation had on Wednesday issued instructions to the Tourism Development Corporation and both the private motor boat operators. All activities related to motor boats at Bada Talab and Prempura Ghat were asked to be stopped. The officers had said that even after the instructions, if a motor boat runs here, then an FIR will be lodged against it in the concerned police station for disobeying the NGT order.

NGT has declared emissions from diesel and diesel engines a threat to humans and aquatic life. Because the sulfur and nitrogen oxides emitted from it make the water acidic. It is carcinogenic to both humans and aquatic organisms.

This order issued for Bhoj Wetland will be applicable to all types of wetlands of the state including Narmada River. NGT has ordered the state government to ensure compliance with this order and submit an action taken report within 3 months.

The jury of Justice Sudhir Aggarwal and expert Afroz Ahmed has given this order on the petition of former BU professor Dr. Subhash Pandey.

In the petition, the Chief Forest Conservator of Madhya Pradesh has been ordered that if cruise or motor boats are being operated in the eco-sensitive zone of the National Park, the wetland present on the forest land or any aquatic structure reserved for wild life, then to stop their operation immediately and ensure action on these.