NGT Takes Strong Stand Against Bhopal Reservoir Encroachments
The central bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Bhopal has expressed strong displeasure over the persistent non-compliance with its directives regarding the removal of unauthorized and illegal encroachments around the ecologically sensitive Kaliasot and Kerwa reservoirs. On Friday, the tribunal took decisive action by directing the Madhya Pradesh state government to bring this critical matter before the chief secretary for immediate intervention.
Decades of Inaction and Environmental Concerns
The petitioners in this long-standing case have consistently argued that despite the petition being pending until 2022, virtually nothing has been done to address the encroachments in this vital ecological zone. This prolonged inaction, even under the NGT's constant monitoring, has paradoxically led to fresh encroachments emerging in the periphery of both reservoirs. These illegal constructions are occurring on land specifically reserved for a botanical garden according to Bhopal's 2005 Master Plan, highlighting a serious breach of urban planning and environmental protection commitments.
Judicial Frustration and Direct Orders
A visibly frustrated tribunal bench, comprising judicial member Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, emphasized that the chief secretary must be formally apprised of the officials' inaction to ensure proper accountability and prompt corrective measures. The NGT's order came after detailed arguments presented by petitioner Subhash C Pandey and Hardhwardhan Tiwari, counsel for the second petitioner Rashid Noor Khan.
The tribunal stated unequivocally: "This tribunal has taken serious note of the fact that in spite of repeated directions given to the authorities concerned, they have not bothered to comply with the directions of the Tribunal in this matter." The NGT specifically directed state counsel Prashant M Harne to convey this order to the Madhya Pradesh chief secretary and ensure that necessary directions are issued immediately to concerned authorities for compliance, prioritizing the larger interest of environmental conservation and protection in the state.
Ecological Impact and Human-Animal Conflict
The tribunal's order highlighted severe ecological consequences stemming from these unlawful activities. It noted that aquatic species including gharials, crocodiles, and tortoises inhabiting the reservoirs are now at significant risk due to the encroachments. The mindless land encroachment and construction activities are threatening the natural habitat of these animals while simultaneously creating hazardous risks to human life.
Furthermore, the NGT pointed to the alarming rise in human-animal conflicts and the discharge of untreated sewage resulting from improper sewage treatment plant operations in the affected areas. These interconnected issues underscore the broader environmental degradation caused by the unchecked encroachments.
Government Response and Future Steps
While the state government has requested additional time to submit a progress report or action taken report, the NGT's firm stance indicates that immediate compliance is non-negotiable. The tribunal's intervention represents a crucial step toward enforcing environmental regulations and protecting Bhopal's vital water bodies from further degradation, setting an important precedent for ecological governance in urban areas across India.
