Illegal structures exposed near Bada Talab:153 slums and permanent constructions identified within 50 meters

Fresh surveys around Bhopal’s iconic Upper Lake—popularly known as Upper Lake—have revealed 153 illegal structures within 50 meters of the Full Tank Level (FTL) in the urban stretch of the water body. These include both temporary shanties and permanent constructions, some reportedly belonging to influential individuals. Additionally, encroachments have been identified on 15 parcels of government land in Khanugaon. Authorities say that any construction carried out after March 16, 2022—the date when the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules came into effect—within the prescribed FTL buffer zone will be considered illegal. In urban areas, the buffer is 50 meters from the FTL, while in rural areas, it extends up to 250 meters. Wetlands Act and NGT directives trigger renewed action Officials clarified that since the Wetlands Act became applicable on March 16, 2022, any construction undertaken within the designated FTL buffer zone after this date is automatically categorized as unauthorized—regardless of permissions granted by municipal corporations or panchayats. Moreover, in compliance with directives from the National Green Tribunal, even older encroachments falling within the lake’s protected boundary will be removed. Authorities are required to submit a compliance report to the Tribunal, prompting renewed urgency in enforcement efforts. The crackdown gained momentum following reprimands from Bhopal MP Alok Sharma and District Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, who directed officials to accelerate action. Areas where encroachments were found The survey across the TT Nagar subdivision uncovered 108 constructions in villages including Sevania Gaud, Dharmpuri, Prempura, Aamkheda, Piplakhedi, Kotra Sultanabad, and Barkhedi Khurd. Most of these are permanent houses, while some are makeshift dwellings. Recent demolition action has already been carried out in the Bhadbhada area, with large-scale operations planned in the coming days. Additional findings include: On Friday, revenue officials marked red lines near the boundary wall of a college linked to MLA Arif Masood. Red markings were also placed near the bungalows of a minister and an IAS officer on VIP Road. In the Huzur constituency, demarcation work is ongoing in Mugalia Chhap and Khajuri areas, where significant encroachments have also been detected. Demarcation deadline before Holi Collector Singh has instructed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) with jurisdiction around the Upper Lake to complete demarcation before the Holi festival. The Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board has been tasked with identifying drains discharging sewage into the lake. Officials aim to trace and eliminate all sources polluting the water body. Two-tier action plan Authorities have outlined a two-level action strategy: Three surveys in a decade, but no concrete action Over the past ten years, three separate surveys of Upper Lake have been conducted, each revealing extensive encroachments. However, none have resulted in sustained, effective action. Survey reports have largely remained inaccessible or unimplemented. As a result, illegal developments have proliferated in areas such as Bairagarh, Khanugaon, Suraj Nagar, Gauragaon, and Bisankhedi. Numerous marriage gardens, farmhouses, schools, colleges, and residential properties now extend into the lake’s designated boundaries. Encroachments even on Ramsar-designated site Environmental expert Rashid Noor emphasized that no construction should exist within 50 meters in urban limits and 250 meters in rural areas. However, in many cases, permanent structures have been built right up to the FTL markers. Large buildings, farmhouses, and resorts are visible in Bhadbhada, Bisankhedi, Gauragaon, Beel village, and Suraj Nagar. Alarmingly, Upper Lake is a designated Ramsar site—a wetland of international importance—yet encroachments have largely been addressed only on paper. In Suraj Nagar, buildings stand adjacent to municipal FTL markers in the Ramsar-designated zone. A sewage pipeline has been laid near the marker, and a road has been constructed by filling land near the lake—actions that allegedly violate regulations. Similarly, a road connecting Gauragaon and Beel village reportedly cuts through the lake area itself. Allegations of manipulation in FTL markers Reports indicate irregularities in the installation of FTL boundary markers (munars). Five different types of markers have been found along the lake’s edges. Only one type bears the inscription “BMC” (Bhopal Municipal Corporation); others are plain white without identification. Encroachments and illegal constructions are reportedly concentrated around these questionable markers, raising concerns of deliberate manipulation by land mafias who promise cheap plots and create confusion regarding the actual boundary. A timeline of surveys and missing reports 1. 2016 DGPS survey In 2016, the Municipal Corporation conducted a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey, a highly accurate land measurement technology. It assessed the lake’s area at 38.72 square kilometers—up from the earlier estimate of 32 square kilometers. The survey recorded FTL coordinates, enabling precise boundary demarcation and potential determination of ownership of private lands falling within the lake’s limits. However, the report was never made public and remains buried in official files. 2. NGT-directed survey Following instructions from the National Green Tribunal, another survey found that out of 943 boundary markers, only 802 were present. Of these, 337 were submerged, indicating incorrect placement below FTL levels. A total of 141 markers were missing. Despite this, no significant follow-up action was taken. 3. Supreme Court-ordered survey A recent survey conducted under Supreme Court directions in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Lake Conservation Authority has also not been disclosed publicly. Although officials claim the report exists on a mobile app, it has not been formally documented or used for ground-level demarcation. Government’s stated commitment, limited ground impact Approximately five months ago, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav instructed officials in a meeting of the Urban Housing and Development Department to conduct a fresh survey of encroachments around Upper Lake. MP Alok Sharma has also advocated for preparing a comprehensive master plan for the lake’s protection. Earlier assessments suggested more than 1,300 encroachments within the 50-meter urban buffer zone alone. Only one major eviction in 10 years Despite recurring surveys and directives, only one significant eviction drive has taken place in the last decade. About two years ago, 386 homes were removed from the Bhadbhada slum settlement following NGT orders. This remains the largest action taken in the lake’s catchment area. Although multiple plans have been proposed since then, they have yet to translate into sustained on-ground enforcement.