SIXdays after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the immediate removal of all encroachments from the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone of Bhoj Wetland (Upper Lake), the district administration is yet to initiate demolition at the identified sites. Despite notices being issued to 36 commercial establishments and shops in the Boat Club area, no eviction action has commenced. With the matter scheduled for its next hearing before the NGT on July 29, authorities now have only a few days to demonstrate compliance. Shortage of police personnel delays action Administrative officials attributed the delay to the unavailability of adequate police personnel. A significant portion of the police force has been deployed for the Indian Army’s Agniveer recruitment rally, being held at the International Sports Complex from July 28 to August 8. Earlier, nearly 200 police personnel were engaged in security arrangements for the Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, while an additional 100 to 400 personnel are being deployed daily to manage protests and public demonstrations across the city.

 

36 structures identified Following the NGT’s directions, a joint survey identified 36 illegal commercial establishments within the restricted FTL and buffer zone near the Boat Club. These include food stalls operating in the municipal corporation’s designated food zone, restaurant extensions, roadside kiosks and even the Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s Garbage Cafe. Although eviction notices have been served, officials said that the operation could not proceed in the absence of sufficient police protection. Encroachment remains widespread along the nearly two-kilometre stretch of the Boat Club promenade and adjoining pedestrian pathways. Around 58 street vendors and hawkers continue to occupy roads and footpaths, while several permanent establishments have extended seating areas and display boards onto public spaces, obstructing pedestrian movement. Civic officials conduct periodic enforcement drives, but encroachments reportedly reappear soon after the teams leave the area.