Drone Mapping Reveals Water Beyond Old Markers In Bhopal’s Bhoj Wetland; Sewage Line Found Submerged

On the fourth day of the National Green Tribunal-directed ground-truthing survey of Bhopal's Bhoj Wetland, several issues were flagged, including water spilling beyond old boundary markers, construction in the catchment area, dumping, and a submerged sewage line. Over 80% of the Ramsar site and surrounding regions have now been surveyed using drone mapping and ground-truthing.

The initial phase focused on the Khajuri Sadak-Bairagarh stretch, with the Bhoj Tal ground survey now complete. The team, consisting of officials from the CPCB, MPPCB, Madhya Pradesh Wetland Authority, Forest, BMC, and Revenue departments, will soon survey the Kaliyasot and Kerwa areas. During the survey, the team used a drone to map the Mugaliya Chhap area before conducting physical and technical inspections at various locations.

At Central Park Colony, the team discovered that water had extended nearly 15 feet beyond the old boundary markers. Waterlogging was also observed in parts of the park, prompting authorities to cross-reference their findings with revenue records. The team observed large houses and private constructions inside Central Park and near Suraj Nagar in the catchment area, suggesting that soil filling may have occurred in portions of the water-bearing area.

Officials are currently verifying these findings through revenue records. A BMC sewage line running through the wetland was found submerged in water, and the team is examining the alignment to assess its potential impact on lake pollution and public health. Dumping and soil filling were also observed near the Bishankhedi lake area, potentially obstructing natural water flow or affecting water quality.

Furthermore, a permanent structure was identified within the 50-metre restricted zone near Bharat Bhavan, and its exact distance from the water body, legal status, and approvals will be verified using revenue and technical records.