Encroachments from Yamuna floodplains removed, says DDA

Earlier this week, three cricket pitches were reported to have been running on the floodplains near the DND flyway.

Vipin Sharma, manager of Eklavya Cricket Ground, said officials visited the spot on Friday and asked them to clear the temporary sheds, and to stop the matches.

Earlier this week, Sharma had said some of the land in the area was private land. He further stated that one of the three pitches was four-five years old, while the other two were set up in September last year.

The DDA had earlier said it has not given permission for the grounds on the floodplains.

The DDA is undertaking a “restoration and rejuvenation” project along the Yamuna floodplain in the capital. The floodplains are an integral part of the river ecosystem and are prone to flooding in the monsoon. Construction on and use of the floodplains require permission from a principal committee constituted on the orders of the National Green Tribunal in 2017.