Order of the National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal) in the matter of Hari Mohan Mishra Vs State of Madhya Pradesh & Others dated 14/12/2023.

The matter related to encroachment of Puraniha pond located in village Bedachh, tehsil Jawa, district Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. The pond covers an area of 29.78 hectare. It was alleged that the area of the pond has been encroached by different persons in the village and various applications have been moved before the authorities for taking action and removal of encroachment but nothing has been done. A recent application dated April 11, 2023 was addressed to the collector, Rewa with the copy of the application addressed to PMO but nothing has been done by the authorities concerned.

The pond is generally used for storage of water to be used for drinking purposes as well as for irrigation purposes to the local residents and the animals residing there.

The NGT directed a three member committee to look into the matter. The committee has been directed to visit the place, examine the records, identify and demarcate the pond. Demarcation must be done by way of fixing the poles around the pond and then to take necessary actions, the court ordered. The court also directed the committee to take necessary actions against the encroachment and to ensure that in case of encroachment it must be removed according to rules. A factual and action taken report needs to be submitted within four weeks, added the order.