Madhya Pradesh High Court Issues Notices Over Illegal Constructions Near Kaliyasot Dam in Bhopal

The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued legal notices to retired senior IAS officers, a businessman, local civic and planning officials, and a builder in connection with alleged unauthorised construction within the low-density zone surrounding the Kaliyasot Dam in Bhopal, reported sources in October 2025.

Details of the Alleged Violations

Petitioners brought to the court's attention that a residential society called "Whispering Palms" had witnessed construction that significantly exceeded the limits established under the 2005 Master Plan for Bhopal. According to the norms applicable to the designated low-density zone, the floor area ratio (FAR) permitted stands at 1:0.06, which translates to only 6% of each plot being allowed for construction, with a minimum plot size requirement of 10,000 square feet.

The petition alleged that some individual plots within the society had built-up areas exceeding 5,000 square feet, which was stated to be well beyond the permissible levels set by planning regulations.

The court directed the respondents, which included municipal and town planning authorities, to carry out a detailed investigation to identify all violations and submit a report on the remedial steps taken. A further hearing was scheduled to monitor compliance and ensure proper enforcement of regulations.

Significance for Urban Planning and Environment

The zone surrounding Kaliyasot Dam has been designated as ecologically-sensitive, with low-density residential norms put in place to preserve the reservoir's catchment area, control vehicular impact, and maintain green cover in the region.

The alleged breaches raised concerns not only about urban planning and regulatory oversight, but also about the long-term sustainability of infrastructure, drainage systems, and the environment in the zone. Similar issues have been witnessed across India, with authorities taking action against illegal construction and demolition matters.

For property buyers and developers operating in the area, the ruling indicated heightened risk. Projects constructed with excessive FAR or without proper approvals could face legal and corrective action, which may affect property valuations and delivery timelines, noted industry observers. This case echoes similar enforcement actions, including the recent GMDA notices for illegal constructions in Gurugram.

Implications for Real Estate Development

The High Court's action underscored that even well-located residential zones with high aspirational value were not immune to planning scrutiny, particularly when ecological safeguards, master-plan norms, and zoning rules were at stake. Similar regulatory crackdowns have been observed in other states, such as Karnataka's action on unauthorized land layouts.

Real estate experts suggested that the case could serve as a precedent for stricter enforcement of construction norms in other ecologically-sensitive areas across Madhya Pradesh and elsewhere in India. The development also highlighted the importance of due diligence for homebuyers considering properties in zones with specific planning restrictions. Experts recommend buyers refer to guidelines for buying under-construction properties to avoid such issues.

The case also brought attention to housing regulations in Madhya Pradesh and the need for stricter compliance monitoring. Property developers in the state were advised to ensure complete adherence to all required NOCs and clearances before commencing construction activities.

Disclaimer: This news is based on information available in October 2025. Readers are advised to verify details independently and consult legal or professional advisors before making any property-related decisions. The information provided is for general awareness purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.