Presentation made on the "Environmental Issues in the Administration of Bhopal Master Plan" in a workshop organised by the All India Institute of Local Self Government

1. Welcome to the Presentation on
Bhopal Blue & Green Master Plan
Legal Issues – Amendments Required
Tree Trans-plating Techniques,
Future Planning
By
Ravindra Nath Saxena
Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests &
Former Managing Director,
MP State Forest Development Corporation Limited,

2. OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENTATION
• Status of environment & forests in India and MP.
• Climate Changes and impact on humans.
• Future Planning in Madhya Pradesh.
• Tree transplanting techniques.

3. Title
Body text
Evidence from satellites of
thinning of the
Ozone layer led to the
Montreal Protocol for
reducing CFC’s.
Montreal Protocol

4. Title
Body text
Ozone Depletion
Growth of the Antarctic ozone
hole over 20 years, as observed
by the satellite
Darkest blue areas represent regions
of maximum ozone depletion.

5. Brief description and the history of enactment
Madhya Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1956 – archaic Act
not amended for 65 years : Urgent Attention
Current issues, problems and probable solutions:
A. The Amendment Matrix for M.P. Vrikshon Ka Parirakshan
(Nagariya Kshetra) Adhiniyam, 2001, enacted by the MP
Forest Department in year 2001, but the implementation is
carried-out by the Department of Local Self Government and
Municipal Corporation.
B. The Act and implementation is suffering because of the
dichotomy of the jurisdiction of two State Departments.
C.The Act is facing various problems of implementation for past
18 years. At the time of formation of M.P., Bhopal had green
cover of 72% and it is projected that by 2036 (when Bhopal
Master Plan will be completed), the “green cover” shall be 4%
only. The “green cover” of most of cities of M.P. are going
down heavily because of callous attitude of officials.

6. D. Bhopal is having water supply from Bada Talab, Kolar
and Narmada river – the catchment areas of these
perennial / river systems are outside the territorial
jurisdiction of Municipal Corporation and hence
nobody is paying attention on the maintenance of
these watersheds.
E. The rampant encroachment is taking place on water
courses as a consequence “massive flooding” is anticipated
in near future. The windrose and suspended particulate
matter is likely to create massive environmental problem in
near future.
F. It is proposed to Amend “M.P. Vrikshon Ka Parirakshan
(Nagariya Kshetra) Adhiniyam, 2001” and use it for achieving
the desired objectives. Though certain Central Acts can be
used for this purpose, but in that case Amendment and de-
notification shall be quite cumbersome and counter-
productive.

7. Forest Cover of India
(S.F.R., 2017 of Forest Survey of India)
Diversion of about 300 sq.kms. forest areas (0.04%) in next 20 years can
solve the energy problems of the country. Most of these coal blocks are
situated in different micro & milli-watersheds – consequently it
would not cause great ecological problems.
Coal Blocks are site specific projects and should get priority
Mineral rich areas
of coal and coal bed
methane (CBM).
Also inhabit large tribal
Population - FRA
Schedule-VI
Areas

8. Spatial patterns of the changes in annual
mean surface air temperature
[2071-2100 (baseline 1961-1990 : A-2 scenario)

9. CHANGES IN ANNUAL NUMBER OF
RAINY DAYS
(A-2 scenario)

10. Biodiversity Vulnerable Grids of India (marked red) in the A1B
scenario – for India - 2035 and 2085
(Based on ICFRE studies)
Climate Change and Biodiversity
Vegetational changes projected by 2021-2050 and 2071-2100

11. Red indicates that a change in vegetation is projected at that grid in the
time-period of 2021-2050 and 2071-2100 (under A1B scenario). Green
indicates that no change in vegetation is projected by that period.
Climate Change and Forests
Vegetational changes projected by 2021-2050 and 2071-2100
Based on computer simulation models of National Remote Sensing Agency & ICFRE

12. PROJECTED IMPACT OF
CLIMATE CHANGE ON
FORESTED GRIDS IN
INDIA A2 SCENARIO
(based on the experiments
carried-out by Indian Institute
of Science, Bengaluru)
Source:Chaturvedietal.,2011
39% of the forest grids
likely change under A2
scenario by 2085
causing loss of C stock
and biodiversity
1 = stable grids
2=forest grids
undergoing
change

13. Impact of Climate Change on Moist Forest
Biomes
Distribution of Forest Biomes
in 1975
Projected distribution of Forest
Biomes in 2085

14. Forest type distribution and extent
simulated by IBIS for the baseline case
and A1B (2035 and 2085) scenarios. (VT –
refers to Vegetation Types. The numbers
refer to the following vegetation types
1: Tropical evergreen forest / woodland,
2: Tropical deciduous forest / woodland,
3. Temperate evergreen broadleaf forest /
woodland,
4: Temperate evergreen conifer forest /
woodland,
5: Temperate deciduous forest /
woodland,
6: Boreal evergreen forest / woodland, 7:
boreal deciduous forest / woodland, 8:
mixed forest / woodland,
9: Savanna,
10: Grassland/ steppe,
11: Dense shrubland,
12: Open shrubland,
13: Tundra,
14: Desert,
15. Polar desert / rock / ice)

15. NPP distribution (kgC/m2/year) simulated by IBIS for baseline and A1B scenarios
Impact of CC on Net
Primary
Productivity (NPP)
Current NPP –
835 g C/m3
A2
GHG scenario –
doubling of
NPP predicted
B2
GHG scenario -
73% NPP
increase
predicted
NPP Increase in
all the forest
grids projected
due to CO2
fertilisation
effect

16. Analysis of Crop Assessment

17. Forest Crop near absence of regeneration

18. Forest Crop exhibiting signs of
“Senescence”

19. Forest Crop exhibiting signs of “Senescence “
and dry rot

20. Forest Crop near absence of regeneration

21. Forest Crop Senescence & absolute absence of
regeneration
Forest Crop exhibiting signs of “Senescence”
and dry rot

22. Analysis of Crop Assessment – Phoenix
Infestation
 Large scale crop dried and died after Phoenix sylvestris
infestation in Nagri & Sihawa (Dhamtari district, CG) and
Narharpur, Keskal, Korar, Pharasgaon Ranges (Kanker &
Kondagaon district, CG) in 1980s.
 Sal Regeneration absent except Kanha National Park, MP.
 “Sal seed collection”, huge threat to Sal regeneration.
 Critically small “germination period” of 7 days. Monsoon is
shifting to July and August. Genetic incompatibility.

23. Degradation & opening of Sal forests
 Sal forests are now open, crown density reduced to 0.4
or less, degraded, suffering from soil erosion.
 Absence of regeneration, no seedlings or saplings.
 Sal crop is only consisting of pre-selection girth
classes. Death of Sal forests is certain after achieving
senescence.
 Virtually no control over grazing. No Class-I Protected
Area in the administration.

24. Soil Erosion in Sal forests
 Due to senescence in Sal crop, it is desirable to
promote associate species.
 Conserve Sal seed by rotational closure or collection or
blanket ban to promote regeneration.
 Demarcate & monitor “Sal Borer Plots” for disease
surveillance. Sporadic attack still continuing.

25. Dried Sal Forests

26. Dried Sal Forests

27. Assessing Stem Condition in Timber Depot

28. Assessing Stem Condition in Timber Depot

29. Impact of Sal Borer & consequent
heavy mortality in crop - 1
Caused by larvae of Haplocerambyx spinicornis, Order
Coleoptera. Insecticide or fumigation not possible since
infestation is caused in Monsoon.

30. Impact of Sal Borer & consequent heavy
mortality in crop
Promote “Biological Control” or increase proportion of
associate species to reduce vulnerability of “Pure Sal” crop.
Root cause of Sal Borere attack – Removal of associate
species of Sal and consequent creation of monolith Sal stands,
poluculture Sal less susceptible to Sal Borer attack.

31. Phoenix sylvestris and P. acualis infestation in Sal
forests

32. Invasive species in Sal forests, MP
 Invasive species of Opuntia and Cactaii observed in
Korba and Surguja districts of C.G. These species
were not found about 30 years ago.
 These invasive species signify drying of Sal forests.
 Serious “genetic erosion” observed in Sal crop.

33. Effect of opening of canopy in Sal forest
Encroachments are opening canopy in Sal forest, leading to
drying of forest floor and consequently invasion by invasive
species – making Sal seed germination and
regeneration impossible.

34. Invasive species in Sal forests, M.P.
Calotropis procera, C. gigantia, Argemone maxicana, one more
species of Argemone genus observed recently.

35. Invasive species in Sal forests, M.P.
 Invasive species of Ocimum grandisimum (new
invasive species) observed in Mandla, Dindori,
Shahdol and Umaria districts. These species were
not present about 30 years ago.
 Signifying drying of Sal forests.
Solidification of forest floor and baking due to recurrent forest
forest fires biggest hurdle in Sal seed
germination & regeneration

36. Impact of Climate Change on Forest Biomes
Distribution of Forest Biomes
in 1975
Projected distribution of Forest
Biomes in 2085

37. Biome Types in India
Dry Savanna Wet Savanna

38. Biome Types in India (contd.)
Tropical Seasonal Forests Xeric Woodlands

39. 0
FOREST COVER OF CENTRAL INDIA

40. Annual variability in Maximum Temperature and Precipitaton

41. Projected change in Annual & Seasonal Maximum Temperature in M.P.

42. Model Simulated Changes in Vegetation
Distribution in the Forests of M.P.

43. Impact of Climate Change in Net Primary
Productivity in Forests of M.P.

44. District-wise Forest Vulnerability Index of M.P.

45. Hydrology Map of Madhya Pradesh

46. Critical Ground Water Depleting
Regions of Madhya Pradesh - 2004

47. Critical Ground Water Depleting Regions
of Madhya Pradesh - 2009

48. Administrative Map of Bhopal
Concentric rings of
shelterbelts required
to save city from
hot-winds
Proposed sites
for “sewage
dykes” and solid
waste dumps
with
“Reclamation
Planning”

49. Water Body of Upper Lake – Vital for Bhopal
Heavy siltation, storage capacity has been reduced. Urgent “soil moisture
conservation” treatment of Catchment Area of Kolans River in Sehore District.
Kolar catchment area is also require urgent treatment
SMC project of Rs.1000/- crore submitted to JICA is pending since 2011
Softterm loan, moratorium of 15 years. M.P. is the only State
not having such project.

50. Water supply and Draining Map
Proposed sites
for “sewage
dykes” and solid
waste dumps
with
“Reclamation
Planning”

51. Green Cover of Bhopal

52. Proposed Green Cover Sites of Bhopal
Grossly Inadequate

53. Amendment Matrix for M.P. Vrikshon Ka Parirakshan
(Nagariya Kshetra) Adhiniyam, 2001, enacted by the
MP Forest Department in year 2001
S.
No
.
Section Number
and statutory
provision
Amendment required Justification for
the Amendment
1. Object &
Statement
An Act to make
better provision for
regulation of
felling of trees for
the purpose of
preservation and
replanting of trees
in urban areas of
Madhya Pradesh.
The “object & statement” should be amended to include:
 Conservation of catchment, preserving watersheds of
the water-supply. Notification of Ecologically Fragigile
Zones.
 Creation of city forests / city green areas.
 Creation of shelterbelts on the vulnerable side of the
cities / Municipal Corporation limits.
 Notification of Fragile Zones around water bodies for
preservation.
 Development of “shelterbelts” to insulate cities from
hot-winds. The temperature is likely to rise about
1.50C in next 15-20 years.
 The catchment of Narmada river should be given top
priority, because only 6 districts of Shahdol, Umaria,
Dindori, Mandla, Jabalpur and Narsinghpur are
having moderate forest cover. In down stream
catchment, there is hardly any forest cover for water
resilience.
In anywhere in the territorial jurisdiction of the State.
These amendments
are absolutely
necessary to
preserve the
environment of
cities of M.P. The
management of
catchment areas
should be accorded
top priority other
with-in 5-10 years,
there would be
serious crisis for
drinking water in the
State.

54. 6. 9. Appeal.– (1) The State
Government may by
notification, specify
the authorities who
shall be the appellate
authorities for the
purposes of this Act.
(2) When any decision is
given or order is made
under Sections 6 and 7
by the Tree Officer, any
person aggrieved by that
order of Tree Officer, may
appeal to the appellate
authority within a period
of thirty days of passing
such order or direction
by the Tree Officer.
Though the
principal Act had
been passed 18
years ago, but still
the Appellate
Authority has not
been notified
This situation
is creating
arbitrary
condition in
decision
making and the
safety valve of
grievance
redressal is not
available.

55. At present,
there is no
provision
Insert Section-8A
8A. Ecologically Fragile Zones : The State Government can
notify “Ecologically Fragile Zones” for the conservation of
catchment areas, preserving watersheds of the water-supply
zones. The State Government can impose restrictions on the
felling of trees and removal of forest produce from such
areas. State Government can impose restrictions on the
landuse change in such Ecologically Fragile Zones.
8A.(1) “Comprehensive Management Plan” of Ecologically
Fragile Zones: The State Government shall prepare a
“Comprehensive Management Plan” for each “Ecologically
Fragigile Zones” notified
The different parameters may be used, based on the
different site conditions prevailing in these zones. The
draft “Comprehensive Management Plan” shall be
published in the official Gazette. After inviting,
obtaining comments of the public, stakeholders, the
“Comprehensive Management Plan” shall be approved
for a period of 20 years.
8A(2): De-notification: That any time, if the situation so
warrants that such Ecologically Fragile Zones are not
required or have served their objective, such areas can be
denotified by the State Government.
8A(3): Penalty: The contravention shall be punishable as
provided in the Section-16.
The Ecologically Fragile
Zones notification shall
improve the ecological
health of the catchment
areas of water bodies
and river sustems.

56. 8. At present,
there is no
provision
Insert Section-8B
8B. “City Forests” : The State
Government can notify “City Forests”
for conservation of catchment areas for
preserving green belts in the Municipal
Corporation limits, for wildlife activity
areas or any area of special geo-
morphology, zoo-geographic
significance. The State Government can
impose restrictions on the felling of
trees and removal of forest produce
from such “City Forests”. The State
Government can impose restrictions on
the landuse change in such “City
Forests”
8B(1): Denotification: That any time, if
the situation so warrants that such
“City Forest” are not required or have
served their purpose, such areas can
be denotified by the State Government.
8B(2): Penalty: The contravention shall
be punishable as provided in the
Section-16.
That at present no
legal protection is
available to the
green areas
situated in the
cities / Municipal
Corporations. This
is the reason that
green cover is
being felled to the
detriment of
ecological health
of the cities.
The wildlife
activity areas are
suffering due to
the absence of
statutory
provisions.

57. 9. At
present,
there is no
provision
Insert Section-8C
8C Shelterbelts: The State Government can notify
“Shelterbelts” for conservation of green cover, forest areas,
catchment areas, preserving watersheds of the water-
supply, to stop siltation of water bodies etc. or to reduce
adverse impact of climate change for any human
habitation. The State Government can impose restrictions
on the felling of trees and removal of forest produce from
such Government forest areas. The State Government can
impose restrictions on the landuse change in such
Ecologically Fragigile Zones. The development of such
“shelterbelts” may be necessary to insulate cities from hot-
winds or protection against the adverse impact of climate
change.
8C(1) Land Acquision for the purpose of Shelterbelt:
The State Government shall acquire the land situated in
the corridor of shelterbelts or alternatively can issue
directive to the land owner to raise and maintain vegetation
as directed by the State Government.
8C(2): Denotification: That any time, if the situation so
warrants that such “shelterbelts” are not required or have
served their purpose, such areas can be denotified by the
State Government.
8C(3): Penalty: The contravention shall be punishable as
provided in the Section-16.
The Central India and
particularly Madhya
Pradesh is having
extreme adverse
impact dye to climate
change, beginning
2035. The adverse
impact is likely to
touch peak around
2085.
Most of the forest
areas of M.P. is likely
to dry due to moisture
un-availability and
extreme temperature.
The western side of
Bhopal, entire city of
Indore, Gwalior and
norther side of
Jabalpur is extremely
vulnerable to the
adverse impact of
climate change.

58. At present,
there is no
provision
Insert Section-8D
8D.(1) Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Zones Around Water Bodies:
The State Government shall notify “Rehabilitation of Vulnerable
Zones Around Water Bodies” for conservation of water bodies to
regulate development, management and planning of specified
corridor around water bodies. The State Government can impose
restrictions on the felling of trees and removal of forest produce from
such areas, impose restrictions / regulate civil construction, set
parameters for diversion of land, State Government may impose
restrictions on the landuse change in such “Rehabilitation of
Vulnerable Zones Around Water Bodies”.
8D.(2) “Comprehensive Management Plan” : The State
Government shall prepare a “Comprehensive Management
Plan” for each “Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Zones Around
Water Bodies”. The different parameters may be used, based
on the different site conditions prevailing in these zones. The
draft “Comprehensive Management Plan” shall be published in
the official Gazette. After inviting, obtaining comments of the
public, stakeholders, the “Comprehensive Management Plan”
shall be approved for a period of 20 years.
8D(3). De-notification of Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Zones
Around Water Bodies: That any time, if the situation so warrants
that such “Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Zones Around Water Bodies”
are not required or have served their purpose, such areas can be
denotified by the State Government. In such conditions, the
“Comprehensive Management Plan” shall remain suspended till
further decision.
8D(4): Penalty: The contravention shall be punishable as provided
in the Section-16.
The Rehabilitation of
Vulnerable Zones
Around Water
Bodies notication is
required to regulate
such zones around
the water bodies.
The Ministry of
Environment,
Forests & Climate
Change,
Government of India
is managing coastal
areas under the
“Coastal
Rehabilitation Zone
Notification, 1991”
effectively.

59. 1
2.
16.Penalty.– Whoever fells
any tree or causes any
tree to be felled in
contravention of any
provision of this Act or
Rules or order made
thereunder shall, on
conviction be punished
with imprisonment which
may extend to two years
or with line which may
extend to fifty thousand
rupees or with both. The
line, if not deposited
within the prescribed time
limit, will be recoverable
as arrears of land
revenue.
After Amendment in
the Act. The suitable
penalties shall be
inserted as “proviso”
under the Section-16
to take care of the
offences committed
under the Section-8A,
8B, 8C, 8D and 8E of
the Act.
Stringent
penalties are
required to take
care of the
implementation
of the Act. It is
also proposed
to authorise
police officers
above the rank
of Inspectors to
take the
cognizance of
the offences
committed
under the Act.

60. Contour Bunding

61. Loose rubble Gabion Structure
Silt filtering device

65. Obtained photographs before starting work & after completion of operations

68. Provide geo-references and details of micro / milli-watersheds,
install stone masonry boards for display

69. Shall ensure availability of water for Nistar, potential site for pisci-culture
assess resource in micro-plan preparation

70. No Attention on segregation and
reclamation of Municipal Solid Waste
Dumping Sites

71. Diagrammatic
illustration of use of
contour wattling,
mulching and coir-
netting for over-
burden dump
stabilization.
Very useful for reducing
flow of debris outside
mineral reserve

72. Strengthening
of rubble
retaining walls
along contours

73. Stabilisation of eroded areas,
overburden dumps and wastelands

74. Contour Bunding on outer OBD

75. Use of geo-textile for surface stabilisation

76. Use of geo-textile for surface stabilisation

77. Use of geo-textile along with Stylosanthus
scabra and Acacia auriculiformis

78. Garland Canals to drain-off excess water

79. Use of geo-textile along with
Stylosanthus scabra

80. Use of geo-textile along with Stylosanthus scabra
and Acacia auriculiformis

81. Use of geo-textile along with
Stylosanthus scabra

82. Recently The Jindal Steel & Power Limited
procured three numbers of mechanized tree
transplanter machine in July, 2011.
 Make - Dorian Drake, USA, Model – 100D.
The machine was commissioned at a cost of
Rs. 1.3 crores (custom duty additional) to
speed-up the transplantation process and
increase survivability.
Tree Transplanter Machine

83. Step 1
Pit digging
Tree transplantation

84. Step 2
Soil shifting
Tree transplantation

85. Step 3
Removing the tree,
to be transplanted
Tree transplantation

86. Step 4
Shifting of tree
Tree transplantation

87. Step 5
Fixing the tree in pit
Tree transplantation

88. Transplantation of middle aged trees

89. Silt Settling Ponds

90. Ultimate Percolation Pond

91. Enrichment Plantation / Succession

92. Climax Reclamation

93. Manual Tree Transplantation

112. Future Planning
 The Earth crust, particularly forests are
becoming sparse. Growing stock has been
declined from 52cmt/ha. to 26cmt/ha. in past 24
years. Forest crop and indicator species are
indicating serious problems in surface water.
 Strengthen Public Liability Act, 1991 and
operationalise in “intention & spirits” or face
financial crisis in case of chemical disaster.
 Bhopal Green & Blue Plan – No attention on
maintenance of catchment areas of Kolans,
Kolar and Narmada.

113. • Bhopal is having 116 water bodies, but
their drainage system is not mapped.
Suitably strengthened drainage system or
face Mumbai type flood in future.
• Similarly “windrose” is not mapped.
Prepare windrose map and don’t allow high
rise buildings in the path of wind direction.
Or face “chemical fog” like Delhi. Use
coming-up fly-overs as water curtain to
remove SPM.
• Develop “shelterbelts” on the northern and
western side of Bhopal city to stop hot
winds coming from this side.

114. • MP Nagriya Kshetron Me Vrikshon Ka
Parirakshan Adhinium, 2000 is not being
implemented except according felling
sanctions.
• Amend the Act – Statutory status to all
Green Areas. Develop a system of
diversion of Green Area, along-with a
system of Appeals. Notify all catchment
areas as no felling zones. Intensive soil
moisture conservation operations as
suggested in the presentation. Create
“autonomous fund” for afforestation
operations in Municipal Corporations.