ngt-deadline-looms-but-demarcation-work-has-not-even-commenced

 

 

 

 

Despite stringent orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Bhopal administration is repeatedly postponing the demarcation of the Upper Lake (Bada Talab) catchment area. The demarcation exercise, which began two months ago in the Bairagarh region involving a team of 15 Patwaris (revenue officials), municipal corporation, and the Forest Department staff, was halted, citing the presence of swampy terrain (quagmire) in the catchment area. Crucially, the demarcation process has not even commenced in vital areas like Shahar Vritt (City Circle), TT Nagar, and Huzur. This persistent delay makes it impossible to ascertain the extent of encroachments, and identify the responsible parties, within the mandated restriction zones: 50 meters in urban areas and 250 meters in rural areas surrounding the catchment. Heavy Encroachments Rampant:

 

The catchment area, stretching from Lalghati to Halalpura, is riddled with large constructions, including marriage gardens, factories, houses, and plotted developments. In the Bairagarh region, concrete structures have sprung up in villages like Budhakheda, Baheta Gaon, Rahul Nagar, and Bhaisakhedi. These encroachments include farmhouses, factories, and roads allegedly built by influential individuals. Despite the widespread illegal construction, the administration has yet to take any concrete action. NGT Extends Deadline Thrice:

 

The NGT first issued the demarcation order on October 7. Since then, the tribunal has extended the final deadline three times. The initial deadline was October 31, which was extended to November 12, and the current final date is set for December 17. Environmentalist Rashid Noor Khan, who filed the petition to mandate the demarcation, expressed concern. He stated that the NGT has issued strict directives to the Collector, yet the demarcation remains incomplete. He appealed to everyone to unite and protect the Upper Lake from encroachment. In response to the situation, Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh stated, “We have previously received complaints regarding the catchment area of the Upper Lake. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been instructed, and the demarcation of the Upper Lake will be started shortly.”