Madhya Pradesh races to save Kaliyasot and Kerwa dams under NGT's strict orders
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued fresh directives to protect key water bodies in Madhya Pradesh. Authorities must now take urgent steps to safeguard dams like Kaliyasot and Kerwa, following concerns over encroachments and environmental degradation. The orders come as part of broader efforts to restore 21 lakes in the state, with six already cleared of illegal occupation by early 2026.
The NGT has given the State Wetland Authority two months to identify and mark the zone of influence around Kaliyasot and Kerwa dams. This move aims to prevent further damage to their catchment areas. The tribunal stressed that protecting Kerwa dam's surroundings is vital for maintaining its storage capacity and structural life.
The State Pollution Control Board will now monitor these sites regularly. If violations are found, the board must take immediate corrective action. Meanwhile, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) has been tasked with planting trees and conserving soil moisture in open forest patches near the dams to curb erosion.
To strengthen oversight, the Principal Secretary (Water Resources Department) must form a team to patrol Kerwa dam's Full Tank Level (FTL) boundary twice a month. This team will check for illegal dumping or encroachments and address them without delay. The NGT also ordered the District Collector, DFO, and CEO of Bhopal district to remove all illegal structures in their jurisdictions.
Progress has already been made under earlier directives. By December 2024, the Madhya Pradesh High Court confirmed that six of the 21 listed lakes had been fully cleared of encroachments, based on state reports and inspections by the Bhopal district collector.
The NGT's latest orders set clear deadlines for demarcation, monitoring, and enforcement. Authorities must now act swiftly to remove encroachments, restore vegetation, and prevent further damage. Compliance with these measures will determine the long-term health of Madhya Pradesh's critical water bodies.
