The MP State tourist Development Corporation (MPSTDC), which exercises monopolistic right over the Boat Club, has seems to have designated it now as one of the many venues for cultural and related events. If one looks at the programme published in the local dailies for the ongoing Bhopal Carnival one would find that about four or five events that would invite large gatherings are to take place at the Boat Club. A quwwali competition, inter alia, has already been held there drawing a sizeable audience. And a substantially large gathering is expected during the fireworks display that is slated at the Boat Club towards the closing stages of the Carnival. That fireworks display is polluting needs no emphasis, but holding it during a carnival is legitimate. What is not legitimate, however, is conducting the display next to a water body that is vital for the townsfolk. This is not only ill-advised, it is also misconceived, verging on thoughtlessness and utter insensitivity to the efforts that have been made and are being made at great costs by the government itself to make the Lake pollution-free.

Nobody knows what has been the role of the Bhopal Municipal Corporation in deciding on the events to be held at the Boat Club. In any case, it is too weak to confront the might of the government and, generally, submits meekly to the fiats of the former. Whatever might have been the case, one has to take one's hat off for the total unconcern displayed by the government and the MPSTDC in holding events at the Boat Club that will end up in further contamination of the Lake waters. Clearly, the assurance to protect water bodies as heritage sites given recently by a minister has not been honoured. Need one remind the government that this water body is the state's 1000-year old heritage?