NGT rebukes Bhopal authorities for shirking responsibility over Shahpura Lake encroachments

The National Green Tribunal's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal on Monday expressed strong displeasure at the district administration, Water Resources Department and Bhopal Municipal Corporation for passing responsibility to each other instead of taking coordinated action on alleged encroachments and environmental violations around Shahpura Lake.

The tribunal directed the Kolar sub-divisional magistrate, WRD and BMC to jointly complete the demarcation of the lake's full tank level and 50-metre buffer zone within 10 days. Once boundaries are established, the SDM was directed to initiate action against illegal and temporary structures in the catchment and buffer areas. The tribunal also reprimanded the SDM for appearing unprepared and warned the BMC for failing to file a detailed response.

A drone survey conducted in July identified several permanent and temporary structures and alleged encroachments in the catchment area of the notified wetland.