Bhopal’s Bada Talab encroachments cleared with JCB:Congress protests shop-house demolitions; recreational area constructions to be removed from FTL zone

Bhopal district administration started early Monday morning operations to make Bada Talab encroachment-free. A team reached the Bhadbhada area and removed nine shops. Authorities have identified a total of 347 encroachments around the lake, which are scheduled for removal over the next 15 days. Congress opposed the demolition of shops and houses. Construction within the FTL (Full Tank Level) recreational area will also be removed. SDM Archana Sharma visited the site for inspection. The administration clarified that all constructions built after the implementation of the Bhoj Wetland Rules (16 March 2022) will be removed. Action is being taken against encroachments within 50 metres of Bada Talab’s FTL. For the past two months, the district administration has been identifying encroachments. Most were found in Gaura village, Bisan Khedi under the TT Nagar SDM Circle, with additional constructions in Bairagarh and Baheta areas along the lake’s boundary. Following notices from SDM Archana Sharma, several residents voluntarily began removing encroachments. Large crowds gathered at the site, prompting police deployment. Administration’s warning, people started removal work Notices issued by SDM Archana Sharma regarding houses and shops in the Bhadbhada area prompted many to start clearing encroachments themselves on Monday. A significant crowd gathered, requiring police presence to prevent disturbances. On which day, where will action be taken? Maximum Encroachments in Villages Under TT Nagar SDM Circle, Gaura village and Bisan Khedi reported the most encroachments. Large-scale constructions were also observed in Bairagarh and Baheta. During demarcation in the Van Vihar National Park area, over 100 pillars were reportedly erected along 2.5 km, which experts suggest may violate wetland regulations. Case Prepared to Reach NGT Environmentalist Rashid Noor stated the matter is serious and may be raised before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Congress Protests Against the Action The demolition of shops at Bhadbhada Chowraha drew protests from Congress. Ward-24 president Shoaib Khan joined residents, claiming the action unfairly targets the poor, while luxury houses and hotels remain untouched.