Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Bhoj Wetland Survey Faces Missing FTL Markers and Encroachments
Officials are checking the real boundary of Bhoj Wetland using drones and people on the ground.
The survey was ordered by the National Green Tribunal.
On Sunday, the second day of the survey, workers searched for old boundary markers.
Some markers could not be found, especially around Khanugaon.
The team walked through muddy and flooded areas to look for them.
If markers remain missing, officials will use government records to find their locations.
Drone pictures are also helping identify where the water reaches.
About seven kilometres of the boundary had been measured on Saturday.
Officials also removed some permanent structures from illegal colonies in Bairagarh Kalan.
The NGT-directed survey entered its second day on Sunday to verify Bhoj Wetland’s actual Full Tank Level.
Survey teams struggled to locate old FTL and green-belt markers, including in Khanugaon, and searched through mud and water.
Officials said missing markers would be cross-checked against official records, while drone imagery was used to identify the water spread.
About seven kilometres of the lake boundary were measured on Saturday; Sunday’s report is expected Monday.
Authorities demolished permanent roads and gates in three illegal colonies at Bairagarh Kalan, while Bairagarh remains to be surveyed.
- Who
- A ground-to-air survey team, government officials, revenue inspectors, and the Bairagarh SDM administration.
- What
- A drone and ground survey to verify Bhoj Wetland’s Full Tank Level and boundary, alongside demolition of structures in illegal colonies.
- When
- The second survey day was Sunday; about seven kilometres had been measured on Saturday, with Sunday’s report expected Monday.
- Where
- Bhoj Wetland areas including Khanugaon, Kohefiza, Halalpura, Bairagarh Kalan, and locations near Bhadbhada.
- Why
- The survey was directed by the National Green Tribunal to verify the wetland’s actual Full Tank Level and related boundaries.
- Survey status
- The NGT-directed survey continued for a second consecutive day on Sunday.
- Boundary measured
- Around seven kilometres were measured during Saturday’s survey.
- Main challenge
- Old Full Tank Level and green-belt markers were missing or could not be located at several spots.
- Verification method
- Missing marker locations will be cross-checked with official records.
- Drone launch point
- Bhadbhada Chowk was used after ATC permission was not obtained for Kohefiza.
- Illegal structures
- Permanent roads and gates were demolished in three illegal colonies at Bairagarh Kalan.
- Additional findings
- Water hyacinth, aquatic vegetation, and water flowing over retaining walls were observed at several locations.