Shaurya Singh

UR3596

UG191282

Bhoj Wetlands, including the Upper and Lower Lake system in Bhopal, India, gained Ramsar site recognition in 2002, underscoring their global importance for wetland preservation. Despite this status, the Upper Lake faces threats from human activities, urbanisation, population growth, industrialisation, and development initiatives. This research, structured into two sections, explores Bhopal's development history and the intricate relationship between ecology and urbanisation. The first introduces the Bhoj Wetlands, emphasising the importance of integrating their history into urban design strategies. The second examines the current state of the wetland, addressing landscape characteristics, pollution sources, social dynamics, and more. This section supports the argument that the typical approach of treating wetland edges as wasteland ignores their ecological and social systems. The documentation of Bhopal lakes' edges aims to highlight their value in development proposals. The absence of a master plan since 1991 underscores the need for an updated plan that prioritises wetland protection, balancing human needs and ecological preservation for informed policy decisions harmonising economic growth with environmental conservation. Read the complete DRP Report here. 

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Bhoj Wetlands, designated a Ramsar site in 2002, faces threats to the Upper Lake from human activities and urban development. This research explores Bhopal's development history and its ecological ties. The study, divided into two sections, highlights the importance of integrating landscape histories into urban design. The first section delves into wetland origin and history, emphasising the need for strategic urban planning. The second section focuses on the current state, challenging conventional approaches to wetland edges. With no master plan since 1991, the study calls for updated policies prioritising wetland edge protection to balance human needs and ecological preservation for informed decision-making.

This research is organised into three segments. The first segment delves into the conservation history of Bhoj Wetlands, underlining the crucial role of incorporating landscape histories into urban design. The second segment concentrates on the current state of the wetland, highlighting contemporary features and often-overlooked contextual details. The third segment reflects on the findings, serving as a catalyst for broader discussions. Please refer to the table of contents above for a summary of the DRP structure.

This section introduces the Bhoj Wetlands and outlines the historical context of the Bhoj Wetland Conservation Project. It highlights the escalating water crisis in South Asia, emphasizing the impact of anthropogenic factors on water resources. The text discusses the environmental degradation experienced by lakes and reservoirs near urban areas, detailing pollution sources and consequences such as eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and water quality degradation. Urban areas, with their high population densities, are noted to suffer more severely. The need for urgent measures to protect, rehabilitate, and conserve lakes is emphasized. The section concludes by introducing the conservation efforts for the Upper and Lower Lakes of Bhopal, collectively known as the Bhoj Wetland, which achieved Ramsar certification in 2002.

In Part 2 of the report, specific sections investigate key aspects of the Bhoj Wetlands, detailing various edge conditions and their implications. "Productive Practices" (Edge Conditions 1-3) examines agriculture, aquaculture, and water chestnut farming. The subsequent section, "Impact of Infrastructure and Urban Development" (Edge Conditions 4-8), analyzes features like widened spill channels and urban developments. The third section, "Conservation of Natural/Manicured Ecosystems" (Edge Conditions 9-12), explores elements such as Van Vihar National Park and Borvan City Forest. "Urban Infrastructure and Pollution" (Edge Condition 13) focuses on sewage outlets, while "Recreational and Economic Activities" (Edge Condition 14) assesses the Boating Club's impact. This thorough analysis, conducted through interviews, surveys, and on-site data collection over three to four weeks, aims to offer insights into contemporary challenges in the Bhoj Wetlands.

The initial section of the report delves into productive practices, specifically focusing on three types of edge conditions: agriculture, aquaculture, and water chestnut farming. This examination seeks to understand their impact and relationship with the Bhoj Wetlands, particularly in terms of water quality and the balance of the ecosystem. By scrutinizing these practices, the report aims to shed light on their contributions to potential challenges and imbalances within the Bhoj Wetlands, providing insights for conservation efforts.

This section delves into challenges facing the Bhoj Wetlands, starting with human interventions and the impact of retaining walls on water quality, microclimates, and invasive species. It explores the ethical considerations of sacrificing environmental integrity for visual appeal, citing the illegal construction of Chirayu Hospital. Siltation, decreased capacity, and flooding are discussed, advocating for systematic dredging and desilting with comprehensive documentation. The narrative concludes by examining the repercussions of unplanned urban growth in Bhopal since 1991, emphasizing the absence of an approved master plan. This unregulated expansion leads to deforestation, habitat encroachment, and pollution, underscoring the imperative need for a comprehensive master plan to balance urban development with environmental preservation for the well-being of both the city and the Bhoj Wetlands.

This section delves into species choices in artificial wetlands and stresses the importance of catchment area preservation. It highlights Van Vihar's efforts for water quality and the resilience of acacia trees during monsoons. The text highlights the need for effective management against unchecked plant proliferation. Ecological studies along the wetland edge are recommended, with a focus on Borvan City Forest and its role in balancing urban development and conservation. Unauthorized tree felling in Borvan Nagar Forest reveals the conflict between development goals and forest protection, offering insights for future wetland conservation in urban landscapes.

This section addresses the urgent environmental issue of unauthorized sewage outlets into Bhopal's Upper Lake, pinpointed through drone photos. Despite government awareness, the neglect poses severe consequences—water pollution, eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and public health risks. Beyond environmental impact, it raises governance and credibility concerns. The conclusion emphasizes the immediate need for proactive measures, urging the government to identify, rectify pollution sources, and enforce stringent regulations to safeguard Bhopal's well-being and natural resources.

This section shifts focus beyond traditional conflicts, addressing contemporary challenges in recreational activities, particularly the environmental impact of fuel-powered boating on lakes. The discussion highlights conflicts arising from diesel-powered boats, evidenced by oil leak issues. The National Green Tribunal's recent ruling banning motor boats in the Upper Lake reflects efforts to balance recreational activities with ecological preservation, showcasing the ongoing challenge of managing human interventions in natural ecosystems.

This section highlights the importance of historical and contemporary documentation for addressing challenges in the Bhoj Wetlands. It emphasizes the need for nuanced proposals to balance diverse ecologies with rapid urbanization. Contemporary documentation is crucial for monitoring wetland activities and adhering to catchment area management guidelines to prevent water scarcity. It serves as a catalyst for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, facilitating effective conservation. The narrative urges urgent collective action to preserve and restore wetlands for a sustainable future. The photo essay captures historical and present challenges, emphasizing issues like agricultural encroachment and weed growth. In conclusion, the section calls for a renewed commitment to wetland conservation through ongoing monitoring, adaptive management, and collaborative initiatives, crucial for ecological vitality and regional water security.