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News: After addressing encroachment and environmental issues at Bhopal’s Upper Lake, the NGT has now turned its focus to the Lower Lake, part of the Bhoj Wetland.
About Lower Lake
- Lower Lake is a man-made lake located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- It is also known as Chhota Talaab.
- Constructed by: It was constructed by Chote Khan, a minister of Nawab Hayat Mohammad Khan, in 1794.
- Source: The Lower Lake does not have any fresh water source and receives seepage water from the Upper Lake and drainage from 28 sewage-filled nullahs.
- It flows into the Patra rivulet, which further merges with the Halali River—a minor tributary of the Betwa River.
- Chota Talaab, together with the nearby Upper Lake (also known as Bada Talaab or Bhojtal), forms the Bhoj Wetland, which has been designated as a Ramsar site.
- The Lower Lake is located to the east of the Upper Lake.
- The two lakes are built in a terraced manner. The lowest level of the Upper Lake is just below the highest level of the Lower Lake.
- Total area: The Lower Lake has an area (water spread) of 1.29 km2.
- Catchment area: It has a catchment area of 9.6 km2.
About Bhoj Wetland
- Location: Bhoj Wetland is located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
- It comprises two contiguous man-made reservoirs, namely the Upper Lake (Bhojtal or Bada Talaab) and the Lower Lake (Chota Talaab).
- The upper lake is the oldest among the large man-made lakes in central India.
- It was created by King Bhoj in the 11th century by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans River.
- The upper and lower lakes are separated by an overbridge called Pul Pukhta.
- Ramsar Sites: It was designated as a Ramsar site in November 2002.
- Boundaries: The Upper Lake is bordered by Van Vihar National Park to the south, human settlements to the east and north, and agricultural fields to the west.
- The Lower Lake is surrounded by human settlements on all sides.
- Fauna: It is rich in aquatic biodiversity, particularly in macrophytes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
- Significance: It provides drinking water and recreational benefits to approximately 1.8 million residents of Bhopal.
- The Upper Lake provides about 40% of the city’s drinking water, about 29 million gallons per day.
- Threats
- Unregulated urban development
- Inefficient waste treatment systems
- Weak enforcement of ecological safeguards
