CM Mohan Yadav emphasized that Bhopal’s Upper Lake is a vital part of the city’s heritage, and necessary conservation measures should be implemented through proper surveys. He called for strict action against illegal constructions around the lake and any structures obstructing water flow from Sehore. Officials must stay alert to construction activities near the lake and promptly address violations. These directives were issued during a review meeting of the Environment Department at his residence, attended by Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dr. Rajesh Rajora, Environment Secretary Shri Navneet Mohan Kothari, and other officials.
CM Mohan Yadav stressed the importance of keeping the state’s rivers and water bodies pollution-free by closely monitoring industrial units. Industries must ensure on-site treatment of wastewater, with the same rule applying to large hotels. In preparation for Simhastha-2028, continuous water quality monitoring of the Kshipra and Kahn rivers, along with public awareness initiatives, was mandated. Universities should be engaged in studying aquatic life, vegetation, and water quality. Additionally, mining activities near rivers should be controlled, and abandoned pits should be converted into ponds to enhance groundwater levels.
CM Mohan Yadav directed special efforts to improve air quality under the National Clean Air Programme in cities including Indore, Ujjain, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Dewas, Sagar, Singrauli, and Mandideep. He urged the Environment and Agriculture Departments to run awareness campaigns discouraging farmers from burning crop residue. In urban areas, measures should be taken to reduce dust and pollution from construction activities, and the use of ready-mix concrete should be encouraged. Pollution from old vehicles should also be monitored.
During the meeting, officials reported that efforts are in progress to notify 10 lakes in Madhya Pradesh under the Wetlands Regulations. These include Bhoj Wetland (Bhopal), Sirpur Wetland and Yashwant Sagar (Indore), Sakhya Sagar, Jadhav Sagar, and Madhav Sagar (Shivpuri), Sita Sagar (Datia), Sindh Sagar (Ashoknagar), Amrit Sagar (Ratlam), and Sagar Lake (Sagar). Madhya Pradesh ranks among the top five states in India for the number of Ramsar Sites. According to the Wetland Atlas-2021, physical verification and demarcation of 13,565 wetlands in the state are currently underway.