Bhoj Wetland

• National Green Tribunal (NGT) has prohibited operation of cruise and other motor propelled boats in Upper Lake (Bhoj Wetland now called Ramsar site) and other wetlands.

ABOUT:

• The Bhoj Wetland is situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, specifically in the capital city of Bhopal.
• The Bhoj wetland, also known as Bhopal Lake, is a Ramsar site, designated as a wetland of international importance under the Convention of Wetlands signed in 1971.
• Bhoj wetland received Ramsar site status in 2002, highlighting its global significance for conservation.
• Environment Protection Act, 1986, enacted to safeguard the environment and empower the Central Government to prevent pollution and address environmental issues.
• The wetland comprises two major lakes – the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake. These two lakes together form the Bhoj Wetland.
• The wetland is rich in biodiversity, hosting macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, various fish species, resident and migratory birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.