The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench, comprising Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad, has directed the formation of a high-level committee to probe alleged encroachment and dumping of waste at Jhalaria lake in Indore. The committee must submit its report within six weeks.
Background of the Petition
The directive follows a petition filed by environmentalist Sudesh Gupta concerning the preservation of a natural lake and wetland spread across 7.208 hectares on survey number 205 in Jhalaria. The petition claims that the lake's catchment area, banks, and surrounding government land are being subjected to large-scale dumping of soil, debris, and stones. This unauthorized filling has severely reduced the water body's surface area, disrupted natural water channels, and caused ecological damage to the local wetland ecosystem.
Composition of the Committee
To ensure an impartial investigation, the NGT has constituted a joint committee headed by the Indore district collector. The committee also includes the member secretary of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) and a representative from the MP State Wetland Authority. The MPPCB has been appointed as the nodal agency to coordinate the site inspection and facilitate the online submission of findings.
Scope of Investigation and Next Hearing
The joint committee is tasked with evaluating ground realities and mapping the extent of environmental degradation. The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for August 5, by which time the committee's report is expected to be submitted.
