Bhopal: The Boat Club, an integral part of Bhopal’s Upper Lake, is set to undergo significant changes aimed at conserving this crucial water body. With water levels plummeting to their lowest in a decade, the tourism department is taking decisive action by relocating all fuel-powered boats to alternative destinations.
Among the relocated vessels are five speed boats and a prominent cruise vessel, which is expected to take more time to find a new destination. An official from the Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) confirmed, “In compliance with the Supreme Court directives, we have ceased the operation of motorised boats and the cruise in the Upper Lake at Bhopal.”
This decision follows a March appeal to the Supreme Court by MP tourism, seeking relief from a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that mandated the cessation of motor-propelled boats in the Bhoj wetland, a UNESCO Ramsar Site since 2002. The Bhoj Wetland, encompassing 3,201 hectares, has been under increasing ecological strain due to human activities. The MPSTDC, a government agency regulating tourism activities in the state, recognises the necessity of this move. The ecological balance of Upper Lake, a man-made water body created centuries ago, is being disrupted by human interventions. Limiting such activities within the lake’s carrying capacity is crucial for preserving its dynamic ecosystem. An official from the National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment (NCHSE) stressed, “Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) should also intensify efforts to entirely prevent sewage inflow into the Upper Lake.” The official further noted that even non-motorized boats contribute significantly to pollution, necessitating stringent regulations to maintain the lake’s condition.
The impact of motorised boats extends beyond water quality. Open water feeding birds, such as waders, are severely affected by the disturbances caused by these boats. Ripples in the water reduce the available feeding area for these birds, which typically feed in calm waters. Rajesh Kumar Shan, a research scholar who led a Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) Rapid Action Project (RAP) grant from February to November 2020, highlighted that fishing activities in the Upper Lake also contribute to bird mortality. The study, conducted in collaboration with EPCO Bhopal and the state wildlife department, found numerous instances of birds getting caught in discarded fishing nets. “During the study, a total of 15 trap nets and 23 discarded fishing nets were removed, and 41 birds comprising 18 species were found dead in those nets,” Shan reported. As the monsoon approaches, the implementation of these conservation measures is essential to preserve the ecological integrity of Upper Lake and protect it from further anthropogenic degradation. The relocation of motor boats is a step towards restoring the lake’s health and ensuring the sustainability of its biodiversity.
