NGT Orders Bhopal Water Department to Stop Kerwa Reservoir Outflow Within 15 Days

The National Green Tribunal's Central Zonal Bench in Bhopal on Tuesday directed the Water Resources Department to address alleged continuous water outflow from Kerwa Reservoir within 15 days. A ground survey at the reservoir was halted on September 9 after objections that Kerwa had not reached its Full Tank Level (FTL).

A committee comprising representatives from the Union Environment Ministry, pollution control boards, state water resources, and environmental experts met at Kerwa to verify encroachments and maximum water levels. State officials sought to stop the verification, citing non-attainment of FTL, but several members pressed to continue, noting maximum water levels were still present.

Applicant Dr Subhash C Pandey alleged substantial water flows continuously through an artificial bypass canal and questioned how the reservoir could retain FTL while the bypass remained open. The next hearing is scheduled for September 30.