It might be mentioned that people, individually and collectively, have been crying hoarse for long about the encroachments along the two lakes and progressive pollution thereof. A nine-year long project costing more than 200-odd crores failed to achieve its prime objectives - that of making the two water bodies, constituting the Bhoj Wetland, free from pollution and human interference, including encroachments along their shores. Not much was, however, achieved. Ultimately, in view of the progressive deterioration of its water quality and increasing encroachments along its shores the Bhopal Citizens' Forum filed a petition with the state Human Rights Commission in October last for having action taken to protect and conserve the 250-year old Lower Lake - a heritage of the city. While doing so the Forum also requested to have similar action taken in respect of the city's other lakes, including the one vital for the people of the town - the Upper Lake. In respect of the Lower Lake, the Forum had specifically pointed out the sewage flowing into it and the residential complexes coming up in violation of the extant laws relating to the setbacks from the lakeshore. Mention was also made of the two places of worship which came up right on the lakeshore without any let or hindrance in violation of extant laws.

While the hearings are yet to be completed, the Commission did suggest to the authorities concerned as far back as in December 2007 to take action to remove all the illegal constructions. The very same instructions were repeated in the last hearing in early April 2008. Obviously, needful has not yet been done.

Looks like the ministerial fiats may not work. As more than one authority is involved, too many difficulties are being faced by the authorities concerned. The minister, if he is serious about concrete and effective action, will have to bring all the concerned authorities together for a massive coordinated effort to have the illegal buildings demolished and encroachments removed once for all. Otherwise the same old game of passing-the-buck will continue and the things will remain as they are, contributing to the progressive deterioration of these vital assets of the town.