Archive · 13 Aug 2026
NGT orders action over Bhopal tree damage, sewage, wetlands
A court that takes care of nature looked into problems in Bhopal.
People said trees were being hurt and dirty water was going into lakes.
The court, called the National Green Tribunal, found seven big trees with holes drilled into them.
Five of those trees were dry and looked dead.
It looked like someone may have put chemicals into the trees.
The court told city officials to find out who did it and make them pay.
The court also found that dirty water from a stream called Banganga was flowing into Lower Lake.
A new water-cleaning plant is expected to be ready by December 2027.
Until then, the city may have to pay a fine for the dirty water.
The next court meeting is in September.
The NGT Central Zone Bench in Bhopal took a strict view of environmental violations including alleged tree poisoning, untreated sewage discharge and wetland construction.
A joint committee found seven mature trees near Civil Lines' Professors' Colony with drilled holes; five were dry or withered, with marks suggesting possible chemical injection.
The Tribunal directed authorities to fix responsibility and determine environmental compensation against the person responsible or property owner if tree damage is established.
The Banganga nullah was found discharging wastewater into Lower Lake, and the NGT asked the pollution board to calculate compensation against BMC until a 10 MLD sewage treatment plant is commissioned by December 2027.
At Rs 10 lakh per month, compensation for continued untreated sewage discharge could reach around Rs 1.70 crore; BMC must answer 10 sewage-related questions.
- Who
- The National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal), which directed the Bhopal Municipal Corporation and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board to take action.
- What
- The Tribunal ordered action and possible environmental compensation over tree damage, untreated sewage discharge into water bodies and alleged Wetland Rules violations.
- When
- The order was uploaded on Wednesday, with the next hearing scheduled for September 28.
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh — including a private plot in Civil Lines' Professors' Colony and the Banganga nullah confluence with Lower Lake.
- Why
- Alleged poisoning of trees, discharge of untreated sewage into water bodies and construction in wetland areas.
- Tribunal
- National Green Tribunal, Central Zone Bench, Bhopal
- Case
- Rashid Noor Khan vs Collector, Bhopal & Others
- Damaged trees
- 7 mature trees with drilled holes; 5 dry or withered
- Tree location
- Private plot near House No 12, Civil Lines, Professors' Colony
- Wastewater discharge
- Around 8-10 MLD generated; 10 MLD STP expected by December 2027
- Compensation rate
- Rs 10 lakh per month for untreated sewage discharge
- Potential compensation
- Around Rs 1.70 crore or higher if discharge continues
- Next hearing
- September 28; wetland report due within 30 days