Bhopal, May 26: Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice DM Dharmadhikari stressed the need to limit the water sports to control pollution of the lakes. He said that the Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Pollution Control Board and Lake Protection Authority should prepare a work plan and implement it.

Justice Dharmadhikari was speaking at a meeting held to discuss the ways and means to protect and keep the lakes clean. Human Rights Commission members Justice Narayan Singh 'Azad' and Vijay Shukla, principal secretary Dr AN Asthana, Housing and Environment principal secretary Alok Srivastava, PHE secretary Raj Kishore Swai, Lakes Protection Authority executive officer Ms Alka Upadhyaya and Bhopal Senior Citizen Manch office bearers attended the meeting.

Justice Dharmadhikari said that as part of the lake dries up during summer, the collectors of Bhopal and Senore permit some farmers to cultivate on that area. The farmers use chemical fertilisers which pollutes the lake. He expected the Bhopal Municipal Corporation to prepare a work plan within a month so that pollution of the lake is minimised.

Vijay Shukla said that pollutants are being thrown at the Lower Lake from areas like Pul Pukhta, Kali Mandir, Khatalpura and some other areas. The BMC should arrange to remove these pollutant items from the lake. He asked the Sehore collector to inform as to how many farmers were allowed to cultivate at the dried up area of the Upper Lake.

Alok Shrivastava said that due to increase in population and pressure from people, the water sports activities have been increased. The water sports activities will be limited through publicity and awareness campaign.

Ms Alka Upadhyaya said that a study is being conducted under Urban Catchment Management. The study will help to know the extent the lakes are being polluted. After the study, work to clean the lake water will being, she said.