THE National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Zonal Bench, Bhopal, on Tuesday directed the Water Resources Department (WRD) to address the alleged continuous outflow of water from Kerwa Reservoir within 15 days. The direction followed the halting of a ground-truthing exercise on September 9 over objections that Kerwa had not reached its Full Tank Level (FTL). Applicant raises water outflow issue: The issue was raised by NGT applicant and survey committee member Dr Subhash C Pandey. The Tribunal had on August 31 directed identification, demarcation and groundlevel verification of encroachments and maximum water levels at Kerwa, Bhoj Wetland and Kaliyasot reservoirs. The next hearing is scheduled for September 30. Committee seeks tribunal guidance: Representatives of the MoEFCC, CPCB, MPPCB, WRD, Madhya Pradesh State Wetland Authority, MANIT, the applicant and environmental experts were present during the September 9 survey. According to the submission, some officials sought stoppage of the exercise citing non-attainment of FTL, while several members favoured continuing the verification. Alleged bypass causes water loss: Pandey alleged that substantial water was continuously flowing through an artificial canal or bypass. He questioned how the reservoir could attain or retain FTL while the bypass remained open and suggested measures such as stone pitching or a temporary stop-dam.

 

He also alleged that over 90% of boundary pillars installed in 2023 had disappeared. Independent probe sought: Pandey has sought resumption of the groundtruthing exercise, stoppage of the alleged bypass outflow and an independent inquiry by the MoEFCC and/or CPCB. He also sought KML files of the three water bodies to verify earlier demarcations. The allegations have not been independently established. Survey covers multiple areas:The special team also conducted ground verification at several locations around Bhoj Wetland and Kaliyasot, including Khanugaon, the under-construction cruise site, Army Sports Area, Kohefiza, Halalpura, Bhouri, Kolukhedi, Khajuri Sadak and Bairagarh. Officials and experts recorded water boundaries and surrounding conditions during the exercise. Construction found near Kaliyasot: At several locations, water was found extending around five to 10 feet beyond boundary pillars, while water was also seen flowing over retaining walls. The survey team reported that a road had been constructed through the waterlogged area of Kaliyasot, with large restaurants and commercial structures allegedly located within or close to the reservoir boundary. Bada Talab hearing today: The NGT is scheduled to hear the Bhoj Wetland, including the Upper Lake or Bada Talab, matter on Wednesday. The remaining submissions and drone survey report covering the Bhoj Wetland and Kaliyasot are also expected to be placed before the Tribunal.