NGT sets up panel to probe Jhalaria lake encroachment

Times News NetworkIndore: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) bench comprising Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad has ordered formation of a high-level committee to investigate alleged encroachment and dumping of waste at Jhalaria lake in Indore and submit report within six weeks.The directive follows a petition filed by environmentalist Sudesh Gupta over the preservation of natural lake and wetland spread across 7.208 hectares on survey number 205 in Jhalaria.The petition alleges that the lake’s catchment area, banks, and surrounding government land were being subjected to large-scale dumping of soil, debris, and stones. This unauthorized filling has severely reduced the water body’s surface area, disrupted natural water channels, and caused ecological damage to the local wetland ecosystem.To ensure an impartial investigation, NGT constituted a joint committee headed by Indore district collector. It also includes member secretary of Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board and a representative from MP State Wetland Authority.The MPPCB has been appointed as the nodal agency to coordinate the site inspection and facilitate the online submission of the findings.The joint committee is tasked with evaluating ground realities and mapping the extent of environmental degradation. The NGT has scheduled the next hearing for August 5.