5 years and counting: NGT raps DDA, other agencies for failure to clear Yamuna floodplains of encroachments

Citing various other orders, including a writ petition titled, ‘Shabnam Burney vs Union of India & Ors’, wherein the petitioner sought directions to remove illegal encroachments in the Yamuna floodplains, the HC — in its interim order in April last year — directed the DDA Vice Chairman to remove all encroachments and illegal construction on the Yamuna river bank, river bed and drains flowing into the river.

The NGT bench in an order dated February 6 also cited a January 2024 Supreme Court order wherein the apex court “agreed with the concern expressed by the NGT about maintaining the flood plains of river Yamuna in the larger interest of not only the members of public but in the largerinterest of the environment.”

“In spite of these orders by NGT, Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi and the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the flood plain of River Yamuna in Delhi stretch has not been cleared from encroachment,” stated the bench, also comprising judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad.

In addition to this, the DDA had been in October, last year directed to submit details of several encroachments identified in the Delhi stretch of the floodplain and the number of encroachments in Majnu Ka Tila excluding encroachments by Pakistani refugees. It was also directed to disclose the number of refugee families that have taken shelter in Majnu ka Tila.

The Tribunal observed that this was also not complied with. The DDA in response has sought three weeks to submit a fresh affidavit. The matter has been listed for April 4, for further proceedings.