Bhopal: Upper lake water level drops 1 foot short from last year, raising concerns

The upper lake in Bhopal, also known as Bhojtal, has dropped 2 feet in a month.  On Saturday, 10th June, the water level was at 1660 ft which is just 1 foot short of last year’s water level. The water level before the monsoon last year was 1659.1 ft. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) draws around 27 to 29 Million Gallons per day (MGD) from the lake. 

Possible Reasons

The rise in the temperature in Bhopal from 32°C in February to 40°C  in April to 41°C this month could be considered one of the reasons for the drop in the water level. The onset of monsoon is said to be delayed this year and is expected to be below normal. The previous year had faced a similar case of delayed monsoons. But this isn’t the first time there is a drop in water level due to high temperature. A similar incident from last year caused a drop to an alarming level of 2.15 ft in February and March, due to unexpectedly warm weather. Back in 2019, the water levels of the lake dipped to the extent of causing a water crisis. 

Most of the upper lake’s catchment area is used for agriculture. The toxins from the chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture have deteriorated the water quality. The high temperatures during the long dry summers are also leading to a water shortage in the rice fields. The increase in demand for water for the kharif crops is also fulfilled through the lake. 

Conclusion

The Bhojtal is arguably considered to be the oldest man-made lake in India, by Raja Bhoj back in the 11th century. The lake is a source of water for around 40% of the residents in the city. Almost 50% of the water is sourced from the Narmada River and Kolar Reservoir. Around 500 fishermen families also depend on the lake for their livelihood. Bhopal, also popularly known as the city of lakes, is struggling to maintain those very lakes it is known for. These problems are not only threatening the drinking water supply of the city. But, also the livelihood of the fishermen community that depends on it. Not to forget the harm it could cause to the flora and fauna of the Bhojtal wetlands.

Keep Reading

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• Wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir
• Haiderpur Wetlands: de-watering impacting the endangered species!
• Restoration work begins at Hokersar Wetland in Kashmir

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