Archive · 25 Aug 2026
NGT Reviews Petrol Pump Construction Over Bhopal Drain
A tribunal is checking whether a petrol pump is being built in the wrong place in Bhopal.
The proposed site is reportedly over a natural drain near a bus terminal.
A person named Prabhat Pandey said this could break environmental and land-development rules.
He also said petrol pumps should not be built too close to drains or other water bodies.
The tribunal has asked government departments to respond.
It has created a committee to visit the site and investigate.
The committee will write a report within four weeks.
The case will be heard again on October 13, 2026.
The National Green Tribunal flagged construction of a petrol pump over a drain at Bhopal’s Inter-State Bus Terminal.
The tribunal issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh government and other respondents, seeking replies within four weeks.
A joint committee of the Central Pollution Control Board, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board and Bhopal collector will inspect the site.
The petition alleges that the project violates guidelines restricting petrol pumps near drains and other water bodies.
The committee must submit its report within four weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for October 13, 2026.
- Who
- The National Green Tribunal, Prabhat Pandey, the Madhya Pradesh government and other respondents, and a joint inspection committee.
- What
- The tribunal is examining allegations that a petrol pump is being constructed over a natural drain and within its alleged ecological buffer zone.
- When
- Notices were issued on Monday; responses and the inspection report are due within four weeks, and the next hearing is on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The Inter-State Bus Terminal complex on Dr Ambedkar Marg, Ward 58, Zone 12, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- Why
- The petition alleges violations of Central Pollution Control Board guidelines and Madhya Pradesh land-development rules concerning construction near water bodies.
Petitioner’s allegations
Tribunal and respondents’ review
Environmental compliance
Petitioner’s allegations
Prabhat Pandey alleges that the petrol pump is being built over a natural drain and inside its ecological buffer zone, contrary to cited environmental guidelines.
Tribunal and respondents’ review
The tribunal has not made a final finding; it has sought responses from the government and other respondents and ordered an inspection.
Required distance from water bodies
Petitioner’s allegations
The petition cites Central Pollution Control Board guidelines and says a 50-metre buffer applies to drains, canals and wetlands, making compliance impossible at the 23-metre-wide site.
Tribunal and respondents’ review
The joint committee has been directed to verify the allegations and determine the ground situation and action taken.
Land-development rules
Petitioner’s allegations
The applicant alleges violations of Rules 36, 50(b) and 53(4) of the Madhya Pradesh Land Development Rules, 2012.
Tribunal and respondents’ review
The reported articles do not provide the respondents’ response; the committee will examine compliance and report to the tribunal.
- Tribunal
- Central Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal
- Project location
- Inter-State Bus Terminal complex, Dr Ambedkar Marg, Bhopal
- Alleged site width
- 23 metres, according to the petition
- Alleged buffer requirement
- The petition cites a 50-metre restriction for petrol pumps near water bodies, including drains
- Committee members
- Central Pollution Control Board, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board and the Bhopal collector
- Nodal agency
- Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board
- Next hearing
- October 13, 2026