Govt to explore 'vedic city' that lies beneath Upper Lake, says CM

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh government could soon undertake exploration of a 'Vedic' city assumed to be under water in the millennia-old Upper Lake of Bhopal. Addressing a gathering at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the proposed bridge on Lower Lake, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday announced that a proposal would be moved in an effort to utilise latest in science and technology to undertake exploration of the Upper Lake and find what lies beneath.
Ahead of the Chouhan's speech, mayor Alok Sharma said some structures have been spotted and the Lower Lake across the dam could have treasure hidden during the time of Rani Kamlapati. Bhopal Lake, known as the Upper Lake, is 1,000-year heritage of the city and the oldest man-made lake in India.
The lake, which spanned 13.8 sq km, was built by Raja Bhoj, the Paramara ruler who ruled from 1010-1053 AD by constructing earthen dams across the Kolans river. "Bhopal is progressing towards becoming a smart city. Our aim is to make it a heritage city too," said Chouhan. The new bridge will be named after the Gond queen, Rani Kamlapati. It would connect Ginnori to Kilol Park overlooking archaeology survey of India (ASI) protected Rani Kamlapati Palace. It will be a reality by 2018. As per the BMC estimates, the arch shaped bridge would cost Rs 39 crore. In 2006, then chief minister Uma Bharti had tried to rename Bhopal to Bhojpal.
In 2011, a similar move was supported by CM Chouhan, but was struck down by the BMC. The state government later named the largest water body in the state capital, Upper Lake, as 'Bhoj Tal' after Raja Bhoj.