NGT Bench Criticizes 'Vague' Madhya Pradesh Report on Dam Encroachments
The central bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has strongly criticized the status report submitted by the Madhya Pradesh state government regarding the identification and removal of encroachments in the green belt surrounding the Kaliyasot and Kerwa dam reservoirs. In a significant interim order dated March 17, 2026, the tribunal described the report as "vague" and has mandated the submission of a fresh, comprehensive affidavit.
Inadequate Details Prompt Tribunal's Rebuke
The state government, represented by counsel Prashant M Harne, had filed the status report on March 16, 2026. This document indicated that 96 encroachments had been identified in the construction-prohibited zones around the two critical reservoirs. Among these, 15 temporary dairies have reportedly been removed, with processes underway to address the remaining structures. The report also acknowledged a provision within the Bhopal Development Plan-2005 for developing a 150-hectare botanical garden in the vicinity of both dams, confirming this project will proceed.
However, the NGT bench, comprising judicial member Dinesh Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, found the affidavit severely lacking. The order explicitly stated that while some steps toward encroachment removal are evident, the report fails to clarify the demarcated areas of the Kerwa and Kaliyasot reservoirs. Crucially, it does not specify how many constructions within these demarcated zones require removal.
Specific Directives for a New Affidavit
The tribunal has issued precise instructions for the forthcoming affidavit from the Madhya Pradesh government. It must clearly indicate whether the demarcation of the Full Tank Level (FTL) and green belt at the sites of both reservoirs has been completed. Furthermore, the document must separately enumerate how many constructions have been removed and how many are currently in the process of being removed.
The NGT, acting as a green watchdog, emphasized that the new affidavit must provide detailed information about encroachments in both the submergence area and the green belt zone or botanical garden surrounding the reservoirs. This includes encroachments falling within revenue areas, panchayat jurisdictions, and municipal boundaries. The authorities in charge of these areas are directed to take appropriate legal action for the removal of all identified encroachments.
Procedural Oversights and Upcoming Hearing
The tribunal also noted a procedural lapse, pointing out that a copy of the state government's March 16, 2026 report had not been served to all respondents in the case. It ordered the distribution of this report to all parties within two days. The case has been scheduled for its next hearing on April 7, 2026.
Serious Environmental Violations Alleged
The NGT highlighted that the petitioner, Subhash C Pandey, has raised a "very serious issue of violation of environmental norms." The petition alleges that farming activities using chemical fertilizers and pesticides are occurring inside the submergence area of the reservoirs. Pandey has argued that such agricultural practices pose a severe health risk to the local population, which relies on water supply from these reservoirs, and has urgently requested an immediate halt to crop cultivation within the submergence zones.
The tribunal has directed the Madhya Pradesh Water Resource Department, as the custodian of the reservoirs, to verify these allegations on-site and take necessary action if violations are confirmed. The petitioner has been instructed to provide a copy of the application to other respondents, who may file their replies within two weeks. The NGT further stated that if the allegations are verified as correct, necessary action must be taken against the violations of environmental laws.
Ongoing Wastewater Management Concerns
Addressing its previous directives from September 20, 2023, and July 8, 2024, the NGT sought updated information on the progress of installing wastewater treatment systems in nearby villages to maintain the reservoirs' pollution-free status. The state's report mentions steps taken for wastewater management in villages Medora, Mendori, and Khshalpura. It also notes that a comprehensive survey, study, marking, and demarcation of rivers and drains within several villages in the catchment area of the Kerwa reservoir and Kaliyasot river is planned. This includes villages such as Chhapri, Bhanpur Kekadia, Kushalpura, Mahuakheda, Mandori, Mandora, Fatehpur Dobra, and Berkhediwajyapht, covering the effective area and buffer zone of the reservoir.
