Bhoj Wetland

Why in news?

• The state government has permitted the operation of the cruise with a capacity of 50 passengers, but even broad estimates suggest that human sewage of 19,000 litres will be generated in a week alone.
• The cruise boat operates on diesel, which is a clear violation. It will also directly violate the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, of 1986.

Key features of Bhoj wetland:

• It consists of two contiguous human-made reservoirs, the upper and lower lakes located in the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• The lakes are very rich in biodiversity, particularly for macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, both natural and cultured fish species, both resident and migratory birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.
• It is designated as the Ramsar site in 2002.

The Environment Protection Act, 1986:

• It was enacted to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment.
• It empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and tackling specific environmental problems.
• One of the features of this act is: No person shall discharge or emit or permit to be discharged or emitted any environmental pollutant in excess of such standards as may be prescribed.