Upper Lake fun spots wobble

BHOPAL: Bhopal municipal corporation’s grand plans for creation of recreational spots around the Upper Lake are likely to be shelved given the recent National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive. Tribunal recently directed the corporation to demolish all illegal constructions falling within 50 metres of the full tank level of the lake.
BMC officials maintained proposals for passive recreational activities were firmed up considering NGT would prohibit constructions up to 300 metres from full tank level (FTL).However, with NGT calling for demolition of illegal structures it will adversely affect BMC plans.
At least three major proposals likely to be affected are a lakefront along Khanugoan-VIP Road, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation’s (MPTDC) plan to develop a boating facility along the same stretch and upgrade of facilities at the Boat Club.
Buffer on urban side starts from the northern lake edge near Prempura Ghat till end of municipal limits near Village Bhainsakhedi. It includes areas on the lake edge near Boat Club, Retghat, Khanugaon and Bairagarh where illegal constructions are now under the scanner.
BMC floated global tender for the third time in July for the 2.6 km lake area. Proposal was to have a pathway, cycle track, parking, food plaza on the lake fringe near Khanugaon. Furthermore, MPTDC was to develop a boating facility along the stretch where basic paddle boats would be provided to visitors.
Many of these proposals came on the back of study by Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) University. Its experts cited the underutilized areas along the Upper and Lower Lake for integration include to the 'green network'.
Draft recommendation by CEPT cited that unlike the new areas of the city, Old City lacks quality open spaces. It proposes urban parks and public gardens to be designated along the lake front with its land use offering various passive recreational activities.
CEPT in its draft recommendation also cited the need for interlinking various parks around the Boat Club. Terming it 'development of new boat club area' experts dwelled into interventions like upgrading available spaces as far as Kamla Park and interlinking them through a pathway for pedestrians.
Some of the underutilized areas along the Upper and Lower lake for integration to the 'green network' include Kamla Park, Firdos Park, Kilol Park, Vardhman Park. It also cited development of new boat club near Vardhaman Park.
NGT calling for demolition of illegal structures it will adversely affect BMC plans