Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of News item titled "Map and Save Water Bodies" appearing in Civil Society Magazine May 2023 issue.

The news report reflects the issue of encroachment and pollution being faced by lakes and water bodies of Terai region in Uttar Pradesh. The report mentioned that there is a large water body by the name of ‘Baghel Taal’ stretched in almost 42 kms but numerous farms have encroached upon its edges and colonization in the surrounding of the wetland area has taken place. As per the report, water is drained and intensive farming is happening around the periphery threatening the critical natural resources.

The report further mentions that not only the Baghel Taal but other water bodies in the area concerned are also suffering the same fate and land developers and real estate agencies are converting ponds and lakes into housing projects and commercial complexes.

The NGT directed a joint committee constitution comprising of Regional Officer, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Lucknow, Member Secretary, Uttar Pradesh State Wetland Authority and District Magistrate, Bahraich. The Committee will visit the site, ascertain factual status and the original area of the lake as per the revenue record and the extent of encroachment on the lake area. The Committee will also get the water samples collected from the lake and get the sample analysis report to ascertain the nature of water quality of that lake and also suggest remedial measures and submit the action taken report before the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing, May 14, 2024 said the order.