The Delhi High Court has issued a decisive directive to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to eliminate all encroachments and unauthorized constructions along the Yamuna riverbank, including areas on the riverbed and adjacent drains.
This move comes in response to a petition urging the demolition of illegal structures near Shaheen Bagh and seeking preventive measures against future encroachments on the ecologically sensitive Yamuna floodplain. Appointing the DDA vice-chairperson as the nodal officer, the court has tasked them with coordinating efforts across multiple agencies, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and various governmental departments overseeing irrigation, flood control, public works, pollution control, and forestry. This collaborative effort aims to ensure the swift removal of encroachments to restore the natural integrity of the Yamuna river and its floodplain. The court’s decision underscores the critical importance of preserving the Yamuna floodplain, identified as a “prohibited activity zone” due to its role in maintaining ecological balance and preventing flooding in surrounding areas. Legal counsel has emphasized that unchecked construction activities near the river exacerbate pollution levels and pose significant risks to public safety during monsoon seasons.
Acknowledging the human-induced nature of floods in Delhi, attributed largely to encroachments on drains, riverbanks, and riverbeds, the court has mandated the DDA to submit an action-taken report within six weeks. This report is expected to detail the progress made in clearing the floodplain of debris and initiating controlled, scientific dredging to rejuvenate the river’s natural ecosystem. Earlier directives from the court have highlighted the necessity for green development initiatives along the Yamuna’s banks, stressing the establishment of biodiversity parks and wetlands to enhance environmental sustainability. The DDA has been urged to expedite these efforts as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate flood risks and promote ecological resilience.
