Bhopal's Kerwa, Kaliasot Reservoir Survey Data Handover Stalled Over ₹7.88 Lakh Payment Dispute, NGT Encroachment Assessment Delayed
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A payment dispute between the survey agency and the government authorities has prevented complete handover of technical data pertaining to surveys of Kerwa and Kaliasot reservoirs that were carried out for demarcation of Bhoj Wetland. This has delayed the process of assessing possible encroachments along their boundaries. On October 28, a committee constituted following…
A payment dispute between a survey agency and government authorities has hindered the complete transfer of technical data from surveys of Kerwa and Kaliasot reservoirs, used for demarcating Bhoj Wetland. This delay has impeded the assessment of possible encroachments along the reservoirs' boundaries. On October 28, a committee formed following National Green Tribunal (NGT) instructions submitted its report, which was uploaded on Friday.
The report included drone imagery, ground verification, satellite comparisons, and demarcation of full tank level (FTL) and buffer zones for both reservoirs. Despite submitting survey maps and reports, the agency, Geolink Survey, has not provided the complete digital imagery and geo-referenced data due to a pending ₹7.88 lakh payment.
The agency claimed the payment was for the drone survey of Kaliasot (₹3.82 lakh) and the DGPS contour survey of Kerwa (₹4.06 lakh). Six locations around Kaliasot Reservoir were found with submerged boundary pillars during ground verification on September 8-9, indicating that the water level had surpassed the previously installed pillar markings.
NGT ordered detailed verification and demarcation following these findings. The survey established Kaliasot's FTL at 505.67 meters, with an FTL area of 484.431 hectares and buffer-zone areas of 569.590 hectares and 607.514 hectares, respectively. In contrast, the Kerwa water level was below FTL during an inspection on October 22.
The water resources department reported that a temporary coffer dam had been installed to prevent water from flowing out. The committee also identified locations around Kerwa for further ground verification, but did not confirm encroachments or provide a total area figure.
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