The Delhi government has issued a resolute directive to expedite the removal of all encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains by November. This ambitious mandate forms a cornerstone of a comprehensive 45-point action plan, meticulously crafted to rejuvenate the beleaguered Yamuna River, a lifeline for millions in the National Capital Region. The initiative underscores a critical commitment to ecological restoration and the creation of sustainable, gender-neutral, and inclusive urban spaces for all Delhiites.
The ambitious plan, endorsed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, signals a heightened governmental focus on environmental governance, aligning with a broader vision for a zero-net carbon and eco-friendly metropolis. Key governmental agencies and departments, including the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department, and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), have been tasked with specific responsibilities under this expedited timeline. The DDA, in particular, has received explicit instructions to ensure the comprehensive removal of unauthorised structures, a directive that follows previous successful campaigns against illegal nurseries and other illicit constructions along the riverbanks.
For too long, the Yamuna floodplains, despite their ecological sensitivity, have been plagued by a pervasive issue of encroachment. These unauthorised occupations, spanning from waste dumping sites to informal habitations and illegal agricultural activities, are predominantly reported in the eastern, northeastern, and southern reaches of Delhi. This persistent encroachment not only degrades the fragile riparian ecosystem but also exacerbates the city’s vulnerability to flooding, undermining efforts to build resilient urban infrastructure. The challenges are manifold, with anti-encroachment drives frequently encountering resistance from squatters, further complicated by the historical absence of clear demarcation of floodplain zones. A recent DDA survey starkly revealed the extent of the problem, indicating that two-thirds of the Yamuna floodplain land within Delhi has been encroached upon in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action.
Despite these hurdles, the DDA has demonstrated a proactive stance in recent years, successfully reclaiming approximately 224 acres of floodplain land. This reclaimed land has been thoughtfully transformed into vital public green spaces, such as the Asita in East Delhi, demonstrating the potential for ecological restoration and public engagement. Furthermore, in April, the DDA apprised the National Green Tribunal of its success in freeing 24 acres under the Yamuna Vanasthali project, situated between the Wazirabad Barrage and ISBT Kashmere Gate, marking incremental yet significant progress in the arduous journey of riverfront revitalisation.
The comprehensive action plan extends beyond the floodplains themselves, incorporating directives for the meticulous clearance of all forms of encroachment from the intricate network of drains that ultimately discharge into the Yamuna. The MCD, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and DDA have been jointly entrusted with leading a focused drive to clear stormwater drains, while the MCD and I&FC departments will specifically target encroachments along drain alignments. This holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of urban water systems and the critical role of clean tributaries in the overall health of the river.
The overarching Yamuna rejuvenation initiative has been strategically consolidated under ten core working heads, encompassing critical areas such as drains, sewage management, solid waste management, enhancement of ecological flow, and robust enforcement mechanisms, each with clearly defined deadlines. This structured approach aims to streamline efforts and ensure accountability across the multiple agencies involved. The Yamuna’s 52-kilometre journey through Delhi is particularly vulnerable, with the 22-kilometre stretch between Wazirabad and Okhla identified as the most severely polluted segment, making it a pivotal focus of all planning and policy initiatives. The Delhi government’s allocation of a substantial ₹9,000 crore to the water and sewerage sector in its inaugural budget underscores the magnitude of its financial commitment to this flagship environmental endeavour, promising a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future for the Yamuna and the citizens of Delhi.
Also Read: Delhi to clear Yamuna floodplain encroachments by November deadline
