Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Encroachments and Altered Water Flow Delay Kerwa Wetland Survey
Officials are checking whether building and dumping have changed the Kerwa reservoir’s natural shape.
They found soil, debris, roads and constructions near areas where water spreads.
A bridge that helped hold water was damaged.
Because water is flowing out, the reservoir is not reaching its normal highest level.
This makes it difficult to know where the original shoreline was.
More than 3,000 truckloads of debris were allegedly dumped near Mahua Kheda village in 2025.
The committee may compare old records, maps and satellite images to find the original boundary.
It will report its findings to the National Green Tribunal, which will decide what happens next.
An NGT-directed survey of Kerwa reservoir has been deferred because water levels are insufficient to establish its natural Full Tank Level.
The committee observed soil filling, debris dumping, possible encroachments, roads and construction near the reservoir’s water-spread area.
More than 3,000 truckloads of debris were allegedly dumped near Mahua Kheda village in 2025, potentially narrowing natural water passages.
A damaged bridge has allowed water to flow out, preventing Kerwa reservoir from reaching its natural Full Tank Level.
The committee will submit its observations to the NGT, which will decide the survey’s next steps and any further action.
- Who
- A special committee directed by the National Green Tribunal, including environmentalist Rashid Noor Khan, is examining the Kerwa reservoir.
- What
- The committee is conducting a ground-truthing survey to assess encroachments, debris dumping, altered water flow and the reservoir’s original boundary.
- When
- The article cites alleged dumping of more than 3,000 truckloads of debris in 2025; the detailed survey has now been deferred.
- Where
- Kerwa reservoir in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, including the catchment near Mahua Kheda village.
- Why
- Insufficient water, a damaged water-retaining bridge and uncertainty about the natural Full Tank Level make the original water-spread area difficult to establish.
- Survey status
- The detailed Kerwa survey has been deferred.
- Survey authority
- The National Green Tribunal directed the ground-truthing exercise.
- Alleged debris dumping
- More than 3,000 truckloads were allegedly dumped near Mahua Kheda village in 2025.
- Water-level issue
- Kerwa reservoir has not reached its natural Full Tank Level.
- Observed changes
- The committee observed soil filling, debris, roads, constructions and possible encroachments near the water-spread area.
- Water-retaining structure
- A bridge that helped retain water was reported damaged.
- Next step
- The committee will submit observations to the National Green Tribunal for decisions on further survey and action.