Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The proposed relocation of the Bhopal Collectorate to Professor Colony has triggered a controversy, with residents of Old Bhopal expressing deep concern about the potential overcrowding of the area. This contentious move has come under scrutiny after Bhopal Lok Sabha MP Alok Sharma raised his objections, amplifying protests from local residents who are demanding a more sustainable approach to the city’s urban development.
Professor Colony, which has been home to low-density residential areas for over five decades, is now at the centre of this debate. The district administration justifies the shift by highlighting the area’s proximity to key government landmarks such as the Chief Minister’s House and the official residence of the Deputy Chief Minister.
However, residents say that moving the Collectorate to the area would defeat the purpose of maintaining a low-density zone and lead to overcrowding, putting pressure on existing infrastructure. As protests continue to grow, residents of Old Bhopal are demanding that the government should take their concern seriously and revise the relocation plan. They are calling for a comprehensive re-densification strategy at the existing Collectorate site to ensure sustainable growth without compromising the low-density character of Professor Colony.
The issue gained legal traction in October 2024, when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) dismissed a petition that sought to revoke environmental clearance for the relocation project. The clearance, issued by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) in July 2023, paved the way for the Madhya Pradesh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board (MPHIDB) to redevelop both the Collectorate Complex and Professor Colony.
Alok Sharma, a staunch critic of the plan, has expressed concern about the government’s focus on developing New Bhopal at the expense of Old Bhopal. Sharma advocates for balanced development across the city’s constituencies and believes that shifting the Collectorate will further strain the already congested area of Professor Colony while neglecting the needs of other neighbourhoods.
MLA Atif Aqueel (Bhopal North-Old City)
“We strongly opposed the relocation of the Bhopal Collectorate to Professor Colony, and back MP Alok Sharma’s stance. Earlier District Court, RTO, and BMC headquarters had already been moved from Old Bhopal. These offices should also be brought back in the Old Bhopal or else all key administrative offices will be shifted from Old to New Bhopal.
Sunil Sood, ex-Mayor, resident of Koh-e-Fiza (Old Bhopal)
Professor Colony is a low-density area, and relocating the Collectorate would contradict its intended purpose. CM House and Raj Bhavan are already nearby, the area would become overcrowded. The government should consider a re-densification plan at the current site, utilizing the space encroached upon at the back, instead of relocating the offices.
Nitin Saxena, NGT petitioner
NGT petitioner says no relocation It is Ramsar site as it is close to Lower Lake and this cannot be ignored due to environmental considerations. A large number of trees will have to be cut. The government should focus on re-densification at the current site, and remove encroachments. Constructing high-rise buildings will be a better solution for accommodating the Collectorate.
