Bhoj Wetland Case: Green Activist Submits Proof Of Squatters To NGT

Bhoj Wetland Case: Green Activist Submits Proof Of Squatters To NGT

The evidence, submitted with photographs, reveals landfilling, unauthorised construction and illegal dumping, posing a serious threat to wetland’s ecosystem.

Staff ReporterUpdated: Thursday, May 08, 2025, 08:45 PM IST
article-image
Bhoj Wetland Case: Green Activist Submits Proof Of Squatters To NGT | FP Image

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Acting on the directives of National Green Tribunal (NGT), green activist and petitioner Rashid Noor Khan has submitted concrete proof of illegal encroachments in the catchment area of Bhoj Wetland, particularly around the Upper Lake.

The evidence, submitted with photographs, reveals landfilling, unauthorised construction and illegal dumping, posing a serious threat to wetland’s ecosystem.

The NGT had specifically instructed identification of encroachers affecting the Upper Lake—part of the ecologically critical Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar site of international importance.

Khan accused state agencies, including the Wetland Authority, Bhopal Municipal Corporation and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, of failing in their responsibilities and violating environmental laws.

“It is the state’s duty to safeguard this wetland through its institutions. Unfortunately, they’ve forgotten their responsibilities and are allowing rampant exploitation and abuse of this heritage site,” Khan said.

He alleged that powerful people owning properties near the lake are illegally filling sections of the lake with soil, drastically reducing its size. This landfilling, he said, blocks natural rainwater flow, increasing the risk of flooding in nearby residential areas and disrupting public life.

Khan said that these activities contradict objectives of Amrit Dharohar Yojana, a national initiative aimed at protecting India’s wetlands.

“The inclusion of Bhoj Wetland in Amrit Dharohar Yojana highlights its environmental and cultural significance. But ongoing encroachments undermine the very goals of the scheme,” he said.

Encroachment Case

* What: Proof of encroachments submitted to NGT

* Where: Upper Lake catchment, part of Bhoj Wetland (Ramsar site), Bhopal

* By whom: Activist Rashid Noor Khan

* Allegations: Landfilling, illegal construction and waste dumping

* Concern: Risk of flooding, ecological degradation and violation of Amrit Dharohar Yojana goals

RECENT STORIES

New Convention Centre To Host President, PM With Top-Notch Facilities

New Convention Centre To Host President, PM With Top-Notch Facilities

Police Recruitment Exam-2025: Checklist Being Made, MP Police Brainstorm To Stop Leakage This Year

Police Recruitment Exam-2025:  Checklist Being Made, MP Police Brainstorm To Stop Leakage This Year

Healthcare Paralysis: Staff Crunch Stands 80% Specialist Posts Vacant At CHCs

Healthcare Paralysis: Staff Crunch Stands 80% Specialist Posts Vacant At CHCs

PCB Seeks Report From BMC On Adampur Legacy Waste; Wants To Know About Fire Safety Measures In Place

PCB Seeks Report From BMC On Adampur Legacy Waste; Wants To Know About Fire Safety Measures In Place

CS Gets Angry About Long-Pending Cases Of PM Swanidhi Yojna; Asks Senior Bank Official To Issue...

CS Gets Angry About Long-Pending Cases Of PM Swanidhi Yojna; Asks Senior Bank Official To Issue...