Bhopal’s Famous Upper Lake May Disappear in 25 Years, Say Citizen's Forum

Bhopal: Growing urbanisation is threatening water bodies across major cities and the fate of Bhopal’s famed Upper Lake is no different. A forum of senior citizens in the city on Monday expressed apprehensions that the scenic reservoir might disappear in 25 years, if conditions stay as they are.

“The administration and the Bhopal Municipal Corporation lack the seriousness they require for the conservation of the Upper Lake,” the eminent citizens affiliated to Bhopal Citizens’ Forum told mediapersons.

“Among the list of 25 lakes as mentioned in Ramsar Sites under Ramsar Conservation on Wetland, Bhopal is the only lake among 25 water bodies on the country whose water is used to for potable purposes,” the forum’s convener Harish Bhavnani said.

Referring to a letter written by Department of Urban Administration and Development in 2012, in which the ministry ordered for formation of state-level monitoring committee, demarcation of rivers and natural nullah, demarcation of full tank level, organic farming in catchment area, planning of drains and regulation of construction in the catchment area was ordered, the group claimed that nothing happened even after more than four years and half elapsed.

“Over 40% population gets potable water from the lake and it has its bearing on the environment as well. If things do not improve, the lake might not be there after 25 years,” the forum warned.

Another group member –AC Chandra, a retired IAS officer told News18 that by 1996, total 14 nullah drained into the lake and despite implementation of schemes and administrative intervention, nine nullah still drain into it, bringing along with them all kinds of biological, organic and chemical pollutants.

The forum demanded that lake’s full tank level be demarked and no construction is allowed within 50m of radius of this boundary, organic farming be promoted in catchment area, flowing of drains into the lake be strictly prohibited and a committee chaired by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should monitor these developments.