National Green Tribunal bans operation of boats in 'Bhoj Wetland' of Madhya Pradesh
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently issued an order mandating the Madhya Pradesh state government to cease the operation of cruise ships and other motorized boats in the Bhoj wetland. This decision was made in response to the significant damage caused to the water bodies by these vessels. Environmentalist Subhash Pandey was instrumental in bringing this issue to the tribunal's attention, highlighting the government's permission for a cruise ship to be docked in the Bhoj wetland.
Concerns Raised by Environmentalist
Subhash Pandey's efforts led to the exposure of an alarming situation: the presence of a cruise ship moored in the Bhoj wetland, authorized by the Madhya Pradesh government. Recognizing the detrimental impact of such activities on the environment, Pandey approached the National Green Tribunal seeking immediate intervention.
Bhopal Master Plan and Its Relevance
The Bhopal Master Plan implemented in 2005 explicitly prohibits any recreational activities within the water of the Upper Lake due to its essential function as a drinking water source. It emphasizes the need to preserve the integrity and quality of this vital resource for the residents of Bhopal.
Exploring the Bhoj Wetland
The Bhoj Wetland, also known as Bhopal Lake, holds the distinction of being a designated Ramsar site, signifying its international importance as per the Ramsar Convention of 1971. Covering a considerable area, it primarily comprises the Narmada River and its tributaries.
The wetland consists of two interconnected man-made reservoirs: the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake. The Upper Lake, created by constructing an earthen dam on the Kolans River in the 11th century, spans an approximate area of 31 km. It serves as a critical source of drinking water for the city of Bhopal, upon which over 1.2 million residents rely. Additionally, this wetland attracts more than 2,500 migratory birds annually, coming from various parts of the world to breed and engage in seed dispersal.
The Establishment of the National Green Tribunal
On October 18, 2010, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. This milestone made India the third country, and the first developing nation, to establish a specialized environmental tribunal. Prior to this, only Australia and New Zealand had taken similar steps.
The NGT's headquarters is situated in Delhi, with four additional regional offices located in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai. The Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. This cooperative approach ensures impartiality and expertise in addressing environmental concerns across the country.
By imposing the ban on boat operations in the Bhoj wetland, the National Green Tribunal has taken a significant step towards conserving and protecting this vital ecosystem. The importance of preserving water bodies and mitigating potential harm caused by human activities cannot be understated. The decision serves as a reminder that our actions today shape the future of our environment, and it is our responsibility to act as custodians of nature for generations to come.
