NGT orders Bhoj Wetland encroachments removed by August 31
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued stringent directions to protect the ecologically sensitive Bhoj Wetland and remove encroachments within the 50-metre Full Tank Level (FTL) zone, reaffirming that environmental conservation must take precedence over unauthorised development.
Hearing four connected petitions related to Bhoj Wetland, Kaliyasot Dam, Kerwa Dam and the Bhopal Lake system, the Tribunal directed the district administration to intensify action against illegal constructions and ensure strict compliance with wetland conservation norms. The applicant was represented by advocate Harshvardhan Tiwari.
The NGT observed that the matter extends beyond the removal of encroachments and concerns the scientific identification and demarcation of wetland and FTL boundaries, prevention of untreated sewage from entering water bodies and long-term preservation of the region’s ecological balance.
During the hearing, the administration informed the Tribunal that nine commercial encroachments had already been removed, while action against nine residential encroachments was pending as they were located in inhabited areas. In Prempura village, 35 encroachments were identified on Khasra No. 131, of which 23 have been cleared, reclaiming nearly one acre of Government land. The remaining 12 residential encroachments will be removed after alternative accommodation is provided to affected families under the Housing for All scheme.
A detailed survey of seven villages—Prempura, Dharampuri, Sevania Gond, Gaura, Bishankhedi, Bilkhiria and Kotra Sultanabad—identified 117 encroachments within the 50-metre FTL zone. Of these, 68 were found on Government land and 49 on private land.
Authorities informed the Tribunal that 45 encroachments had been removed, while action against the remaining 72 was underway.
Questioning the persistence of illegal constructions despite repeated enforcement drives, the petitioner argued that fresh encroachments continue to emerge in environmentally sensitive areas, undermining earlier directions of the Tribunal. The plea sought stricter, time-bound enforcement to safeguard the wetland ecosystem.
The Tribunal was also urged to ensure scientific demarcation of the boundaries of Bhoj Lake, Kaliyasot Dam and Kerwa Dam, regulate the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in surrounding agricultural areas to prevent water pollution, and protect the proposed 150-hectare botanical garden.
Appearing through video conferencing, TT Nagar SDM Archana Sharma informed the Tribunal that several encroachments in the FTL zone had already been removed and action against the remaining structures was in progress.
Taking a stern view, the NGT fixed personal accountability on the concerned SDMs, tehsildars and district administration, directing them to prepare a comprehensive inventory of all illegal constructions and encroachments violating the FTL zone, Wetland Rules, Bhoj Wetland regulations and the city’s Master Plan. The authorities have been asked to initiate action against every identified violation and submit a detailed compliance report supported by affidavits.
The Tribunal also directed Bhopal Collector Priyank Mishra to include a police officer nominated by the Police Commissioner in the enforcement committee to ensure adequate police support during demolition drives and prevent obstruction to official action.
All concerned departments have been directed to submit a detailed compliance report within three weeks. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 31.
Environmental activist Rashid Noor Khan described the order as a significant step towards safeguarding the Bhoj Wetland, saying it strengthens enforcement in the 50-metre FTL zone, fixes accountability on public officials and reinforces legal action against illegal construction and activities threatening one of Bhopal’s most important ecological assets.
