Form committee to curb illegal excavation, squatters on hills: HC

Bhopal: Calling the degradation of hillocks around the city an "existential" issue, the Madhya Pradesh high court ordered the constitution of a high-level committee to curb large-scale encroachment and illegal excavation and to restore these natural assets.

Hearing a PIL, the Gwalior bench observed that several hillocks surrounding the city were being steadily encroached upon or excavated, largely by land mafia, and said instances of administrative inaction and lack of effective policing aggravated the situation.

The court warned that if such activities continued, these hill formations could be reduced to ground level, causing severe environmental damage and intensifying heat conditions in the region.

A 10-member committee headed by the Gwalior collector was constituted, comprising officials from the municipal corporation, police, forest department and subject experts, including an agriculture scientist, ayurveda specialist and veterinary expert. The panel was tasked with surveying all hillocks in and around the city and ensuring their protection.

The court directed that the hillocks be secured through fencing or other suitable mechanisms to prevent further encroachment and illegal mining. It also ordered large-scale plantation of trees, including medicinal, native and fruit-bearing species, to promote biodiversity and convert these areas into green zones or "city forests".

The bench said residents were key stakeholders in urban planning and governance, and called for active public participation in protecting the environment.

The court directed the district administration, police and mining authorities to strictly check illegal excavation and maintain law and order in vulnerable areas.

The committee was asked to meet regularly to finalise an action plan and review progress. An interim compliance report on its constitution and initial deliberations was sought before the next hearing on April 23.