The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has constructed a highway that has nearly obliterated a protected pond in Goyla Khurd village, located in Delhi’s southwest district, illustrating the troubling intersection of urban development and environmental preservation.
This waterbody was on a list of over 1,000 ponds identified for protection due to its ecological significance as a natural wetland. The implications of this construction extend beyond mere statistics; they touch the lives of local residents who depend on this vital resource for their daily needs. According to environmental activists, the construction of Urban Extension Road-II has encroached upon a pond that once spanned 1.45 hectares. Satellite imagery reveals a stark reality: since construction began in 2022, over 80% of the pond has disappeared, raising alarms about the disregard for Supreme Court and high court rulings that strictly prohibit such actions. Activists argue that the NHAI’s claim of possessing the necessary permissions is misleading, as the construction appears to contravene established legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding wetland areas.
Residents, many of whom relied on the pond for fishing and irrigation, now find themselves grappling with the repercussions of this development. The loss of the pond has not only affected their livelihoods but also the local biodiversity that thrived in and around this ecosystem. “It feels like our voices are lost in the noise of construction,” says local villager. “This pond was part of our community, and now it’s gone.”
The NHAI maintains that all statutory permissions were obtained, yet questions arise about the transparency of the land acquisition process. Documents reveal that while the pond land was included in a larger acquisition effort involving 183 bighas, it was notably unclaimed by local stakeholders. This raises concerns about the proper allocation of compensation and whether the funds ever reached the community.
The Delhi Wetland Authority, established in 2019 to protect these vital ecosystems, appears to have failed in its mandate, allowing such an egregious violation to occur. The ongoing erosion of Delhi’s waterbodies is alarming; a recent survey indicated that out of 1,367 registered waterbodies, only 656 remain intact, highlighting a significant loss of nearly 50%. This situation compels a critical examination of sustainability practices in urban planning. Is rapid infrastructure development worth the sacrifice of irreplaceable natural resources? The emotional toll on local communities, coupled with the broader environmental implications, underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to urban growth—one that respects both human and ecological needs.
