Locals turn part of Yamuna floodplains into cricket academy, football ground; DDA says they have no idea

According to the NGT and DDA no compaction, dumping of debris or permanent construction is allowed on the floodplains.

Written by Mallica Joshi

New Delhi | Updated: December 8, 2017 12:46 PM IST

3 min read

Young group of boys from the North East, mainly Manipur play football on a part of the Yamuna flood plain, which was the venue for the World culture festival organised by the Art of Living Organisation under Sri Sri Ravishankar in 2016. The Godman and his organisation were later attacked by the National Green Tribunal and sues to the tune of Rs 5 crore for restoration of the flood plains. In a final verdict today, the NGT concluded on the Organisations rampant destruction of the floodplains, to which the latter have decided to approach the Supreme Court. Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal New Delhi 071217

The setting and location are out of place. A strong odour emanates from the Yamuna nearby and tall grass on one side partially blocks the view. The children, however, do not care. The ground is flat and compacted, just the way they want it. They are dressed in their cricket whites and their kit bags lie on the side.

A part of the Yamuna floodplains, where the Art of Living festival was held in March 2016, is now home to a cricket coaching centre. Started two months ago, the Skillz Cricket Academy has set up a permanent cricket pitch and a green net where children play, on the floodplains near Mayur Vihar Phase 1.

Read | NGT holds Sri Sri Ravishankar’s AOL responsible for Yamuna floodplains damage

According to Harsh Gautam, one of the people who started the academy, this is his agricultural land, a part of which he decided to use to set up the academy. “We primarily use that land for farming activities and grow vegetables. We started a small academy there and set up a cricket pitch and nets in the area. About four-five children come to us for coaching. We don’t charge any fee as these children come to us from nearby areas,” Gautam said.

Children train at a cricket coaching centre on the Yamuna floodplains (Express Photo/Tashi Tobgyal)

On Thursday afternoon, however, eight children were seen practising at the academy. Asked whether he has taken permission from any government authority, Gautam said, “It’s just an informal set-up on our land. I have not taken any permission.”

Also Read | DDA at heart of Sri Sri Ravishankar’s AOL event controversy, says NGT

According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi Development Authority, the land can only be used for farming by people who have occupied the land. No compaction, dumping of debris or permanent construction is allowed on the floodplains.

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Officials at DDA denied any knowledge of the presence of the academy. “We have been conducting regular inspection of the area. Security guards have also been deployed to make sure there is no illegal activity on the floodplains. We did not come across any cricket academy. We will check if something has come up in the area and its status,” said a senior DDA official.

It is not just a cricket academy that has been attracting youngsters to the floodplains. For the past several months, a group of boys has used the now-compacted land as their football field.

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Art of Living Foundation DDA National Green Tribunal (NGT)