Jal Ganga Abhiyan: Lakes’ Desilting Yet Not Begun, BMC Focus On Nullah-Cleaning

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Jal Ganga Abhiyan, aimed at cleaning and desilting of water bodies, is going on in full swing. However, in the state capital, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is executing the campaign, is focused on cleaning of nullahs and seems to have largely ignored a key component — desilting of lakes.

Started on March 30, the campaign is set to continue till June 30. Mayor-in-Council member R.K. Baghel said, “It is true that desilting has not been started anywhere in Bhopal. Desilting has to be done in the Upper Lake, which is the lifeline of Bhopal. Desilting has to be done to increase the water holding capacity of lakes — the Upper and Lower Lakes. The condition of other similar water bodies is the same.”

Congress Corporator Guddu Chauhan said, “The BMC is befooling the public and wasting money in the name of the Jal Ganga Abhiyan… nothing is being done for its (effective) execution. The Mayor should take cognizance of this matter.”

BMC Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki said, “It is an eyewash. Nullah-drain cleaning is a routine exercise. But no additional work has been done. The BMC has not fixed accountability for the proper execution of the Abhiyan.”