Sirpur Wetland: Illegal buildings razed, fight for STP removal continues

Following the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Indore authorities demolished illegal structures around Sirpur Pond, a Ramsar site, to protect the Green Belt. However, environmentalists are concerned about a sewage treatment plant (STP) being built near the pond, potentially encroaching on its protected buffer zone. While some illegal constructions have been removed, activists argue that more critical issues like the STP are being ignored.

Khijra Park, an illegal housing colony, was being developed on Green Belt land in Sirpur village. Despite restrictions, plots from survey numbers 95/1, 95/2, and 95/3 were sold through notary agreements, and several houses were under construction. Authorities demolished 16 boundary walls, 6 roofed houses, and 8 houses with foundations. The crackdown will continue as efforts to clear more illegal structures progress.

Concerns over STP and encroachments

Sirpur Pond is a UNESCO Ramsar site for its biodiversity. However, encroachments in the 60-meter restricted area harm the pond’s ecosystem. Environmentalists Rashid Noor Khan and advocate Harshvardhan Tiwari filed a petition with the NGT after noticing the damage. Following their petition, the NGT directed local authorities to remove all illegal structures near the pond.

Advocate Harshvardhan Tiwari speaking to Ground Report said that their petition highlighted two major issues: illegal encroachments near Sirpur Pond and the construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) within the restricted buffer zone. He stated,

"In our petition, we addressed both the ongoing encroachments and the problematic STP construction right at the Full Tank Level of the pond. While the state government is taking action against some encroachments as per the court's orders, the issue of the STP remains unresolved. The court has yet to make a clear decision on this matter."

He added that a recent committee report confirmed the STP’s location within 50 meters of the Full Tank Level, violating regulations.

"Despite this finding, there has been no court response yet. We are now preparing to file another petition to push for stricter enforcement and address this violation," Tiwari emphasized.

Despite the concerns raised by activists, the demolition of smaller illegal structures has been the primary focus of local authorities. Bhopal-based RTI activist and environmentalist Rashid Noor Speaking to Ground Report raise concerns about the sewage treatment plant (STP) near Sirpur Pond.

He stated, ‘While illegal constructions are being demolished per the NGT’s order, the real issue is the STP, which may encroach on the restricted buffer zone. If found within this area, it must be relocated". 

Khan criticized the government for inconsistent enforcement, noting that while labourer slums have been cleared, more significant encroachments near the wetland are still ignored. He warned that this selective enforcement sets a dangerous precedent for environmental protection.

Khan emphasized the long-term risks of the STP, fearing it could harm the wetland’s ecosystem.

He pointed out similar issues in Bhopal, “where large constructions are allowed near ecological zones.” Given the lack of local action, Khan said they are preparing to escalate the issue. “We’re preparing to approach the Supreme Court to ensure stricter regulations and demand the STP’s relocation if it’s within the buffer zone."

Demolition protests and govt’s response

When the demolition team arrived, local residents protested the removal of kiosks and unauthorized structures. However, with police support, the authorities proceeded with the demolition. Deputy Commissioner Lata Agarwal and other officials, including Building Officer Deepak Gargate, oversaw the operation. Officials confirmed the NGT ordered the action to protect the Ramsar site.

Harshvardhan Tiwari said,

"The demarcation of the sewage treatment plant (STP) plant area is currently underway to identify how much of it falls within the buffer zone. If the under-construction STP is found within this buffer zone, we are advocating for its relocation to a distant area".

He added, "The state government is still taking its time on this, but we are preparing for further proceedings in the Court. Action so far has only been a show — they have removed slums of construction labourers but have not taken significant steps beyond that. The government's recent statement mentioned demolishing some structures, including boundary walls and a few roofed houses, but they are continuing to build on the lake itself by filling it with soil, reducing its size."

"After the last NGT order in October, actions were initiated, including the Collector's order to demarcate and clear any construction from the buffer zone", he added. 

Indore’s master plan initially reserved 14% of the city’s land as a Green Belt, but this has decreased to 6-7% due to unauthorized developments. The demolition drive aims to restore these green areas and protect the environment. Authorities are committed to removing illegal structures to preserve the city’s natural resources.

In July this year, Ground Report covered the Sirpur Ramsar site, where a permanent structure was found being built near the lake, almost on its edge. This construction, deep inside the wetland and away from the main entrance, is a 20 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) being developed by the municipal corporation.

Commitment to environmental protection, says SDM

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Indore Nidhi Verma stated,

"We will take strict actions against illegal constructions to safeguard our environment."

The recent demolition highlighted the need to preserve green spaces and protect the city's natural heritage, marking progress in the fight against environmental violations.

"The municipal corporation's action highlights our continued commitment to protecting and preserving the ecological importance of the Sirpur Ramsar site," said Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) Commissioner Shivam Verma.

He stated that the civic body had already identified these illegal structures and colonies, issuing notices to occupants and developers, warning them of action if construction continued.

Keep Reading

Indore Reviving Historic Lakes to Combat Water Crisis, Hurdles Remain 

Indore’s residential society saves Rs 5 lakh a month, through rainwater harvesting

Explained: What are Wetlands and Why are they important?

Indore’s Ramsar site Sirpur has an STP constructed almost on the lake

Follow Ground Report on X, Instagram and Facebook for environmental and underreported stories from the margins. Give us feedback on our email id [email protected]. 

Don't forget to Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, Join our community on WhatsApp, and Follow our YouTube Channel for video stories.