Archive · 23 Jul 2026
NGT Criticizes Bhopal Authorities Over Bhoj Wetland Encroachments
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is upset with the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Bhopal District Collector because they haven't removed illegal buildings from the Bhoj Wetland.
The NGT says that the authorities have been slow to act and have not even marked the boundaries of the wetland properly.
The BMC says some buildings can't be removed because a court has ordered them to wait.
The NGT wants the BMC to check if these buildings are illegal and take action.
The case has been going on since 2020, and the NGT wants a report on what has been done by the next hearing on July 29.
NGT criticizes BMC and Bhopal District Collector for failing to remove encroachments from Bhoj Wetland.
NGT directs authorities to remove all encroachments from the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zone.
BMC argues that some encroachments cannot be removed due to interim orders from the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
NGT questions the delay in demarcating the wetland boundary and suggests it implies intentions to protect illegal constructions.
NGT directs BMC to submit a fresh compliance report before the next hearing on July 29.
- Who
- National Green Tribunal (NGT), Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhopal District Collector, Rashid Noor Khan
- What
- NGT criticizes BMC and District Collector for failing to remove encroachments from Bhoj Wetland and delay in demarcating the wetland boundary.
- When
- Hearing held on an unspecified date, next hearing scheduled for July 29.
- Where
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Why
- To ensure compliance with the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, and to remove illegal constructions from the protected wetland area.
NGT and Applicant's Stance
BMC's Position
Action on Encroachments
NGT and Applicant's Stance
NGT and the applicant demand immediate removal of all encroachments from the Bhoj Wetland and its buffer zone, citing the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
BMC's Position
BMC argues that some encroachments cannot be removed due to interim orders from the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Demarcation of Wetland Boundary
NGT and Applicant's Stance
NGT criticizes the delay in identifying, demarcating, and measuring the wetland boundary, suggesting it implies intentions to protect illegal constructions.
BMC's Position
BMC has not provided a clear explanation for the delay in demarcating the wetland boundary.
- Location
- Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Date of Hearing
- July 29 (scheduled)
- Applicant
- Rashid Noor Khan
- Rules Violated
- Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017
- Authorities Involved
- Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), Bhopal District Collector
- Pending Since
- 2020