NGT Advocates Chhattisgarh's 'Wetland Mitra' Model for MP and Rajasthan
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive urging the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to emulate Chhattisgarh's innovative 'Wetland Mitra' program. This initiative aims to enhance the conservation and protection of wetlands across these regions.
Bench Hearing and Key Observations
A bench comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, the Judicial Member, and Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, the Expert Member, presided over the hearing on February 3, 2026. The case was initiated by a plea from Sobran Yadav, a resident of Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh, who raised alarms about widespread encroachment and pollution affecting local water bodies.
The NGT emphasized that the 'Wetland Mitra' concept, which involves appointing community volunteers as guardians of wetlands, is instrumental in gathering firsthand data and ensuring compliance with wetland regulations. "This model acts as an eye on wetlands, facilitating better conservation efforts," the tribunal stated, highlighting its potential to improve monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
Specific Directives for State Authorities
The tribunal has mandated several critical actions for the concerned states:
- Removal of Encroachments: Authorities must identify and eliminate any illegal encroachments within wetland areas, adhering to legal procedures within a specified timeframe.
- Demarcation and Protection: State Wetland Authorities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are required to erect boundary pillars, wires, or munnars to clearly demarcate and safeguard wetland zones.
- Pollution Control: Strict measures must be implemented to prevent the discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater into water bodies. Violations will trigger actions by state pollution control boards, including prosecution and environmental compensation.
- Regular Monitoring: The NGT stressed the necessity of continuous surveillance to detect and address violations promptly, ensuring adherence to wetland rules.
Appreciation for Chhattisgarh's Efforts
Chhattisgarh's proactive approach in completing the identification and demarcation of wetlands, along with the appointment of 'Wetland Mitras,' received commendation from the NGT. The tribunal suggested that Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan adopt similar practices to bolster their conservation strategies.
Status Reports and Future Proceedings
During the hearing, Advocate Prashant M Harne, representing Madhya Pradesh, informed the NGT that an action taken report had been submitted, though it was not yet on record. The tribunal directed the registry to locate and file this report promptly. Additionally, it was noted that the Tikamgarh district collector had established a committee in August 2025 to oversee the identification and protection of water bodies, with a demarcation report still pending from the water resources department.
Regarding pollution control, the municipal council in Tikamgarh has developed an action plan integrated with the AMRUT 2.0 scheme to curb untreated water flow into wetlands. The NGT reiterated that any violations would result in stringent penalties.
The next hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026, with the State Wetland Authority, collector, and CMO of Tikamgarh required to submit updated action taken reports within two weeks.
This case underscores the NGT's commitment to enforcing environmental laws and promoting sustainable practices for wetland conservation across India.
