Bhoj Wetland - भोज आर्द्रभूमि

Co-ordinates 23.229871, 77.411889 Nearby Cities Bhopal, Vidisha Location Bhopal State Madhya Pradesh Wikipedia Links http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhoj_Wetland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhopal

More images...

The Lakes Bhopal Conservation and Management Project, also known as Bhoj Wetland Project, envisages to conserve and manage the Upper and Lower Lakes of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Overview

The Bhoj Wetland consisting of two lakes (Upper & Lower lakes) are manmade reservoirs. The Upper lake created in the 11th century by constructing an earthen dam across the Kolans river and the lower lake constructed nearly two centuries ago immediately downstream of the Upper lake, have catchment of 361 and 96 sqkm, respectively Upper lake is surrounded by Van Vihar National Park on the south, human, settlements on the east and north, and agriculture fields on the west whereas lower lake is surrounded by human settlements from all sides Bhoj Wetland has been designated as a Ramsar site in November 2002.

Social & Cultural Values

Ever since the lake was constructed in the 11th century, the Bhopal city has grown around it Life of the people of Bhopal is very much centralized in and around the twin lakes and the people are religiously and culturally attached to the lakes. They meet their needs of daily potable water supply, washing clothes, cultivation of water chestnut in upper lake and lotus in lower lake. The idols of gods and godesses are also immersed in the lake during religous festivals. The Takia island in Upper lake has a tomb of the Shah Ali Shah Rahamatullah Alla, which has religious and archaeological significantly.

Threats

The water of the Upper lake was used for drinking purposes up to year 1947 without any treatment which proves that the water quality was very good After Bhopal became the capital of Madhya Pradesh in 1956, it noticed tremendous population inflow and consequent rapid urban development which adversely affected the twin lakes The wetland is under constant threat due to discharge of sewage water, growth of thick mats of aquatic weeds in the peripheral areas and increasing silt load from the surrounding hills and its catchment area.