Delhi authorities encroach on Yamuna floodplains
Delhi authorities have violated the National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines for preventing construction in the Yamuna floodplains, even though the capital witnessed the worst floods in its history last year in June. The floods, still fresh in residents’ minds, had resulted in the evacuation of thousands of residents after the Yamuna River swelled up overflowing the banks and flooded low-lying areas of the city. The Central Water Commission estimated that the Yamuna River surged up to 208.66 meters, the highest flood levels ever recorded.
Experts identified some permanent construction projects in the Yamuna Floodplains even after the NGT’s Principal Committee, formed in 2015, mandated strict guidelines to prevent permanent construction in river floodplains across all states so as to not disrupt the water holding capacity of the rivers.
According to a report from the Hindu, NGT’s guidelines are repeatedly being undermined by the Delhi Development Authority, with construction projects being sanctioned even without NGT’s approval.
It would appear that in the face of impending climate change, the government is less inclined to abide by NGT’s rules and regulations, evident by the construction of concrete ghats, sitting areas, offices, cafes, and even a 40-metre-long pool under DDA’s “Restoration and Rejuvenation of River Yamuna Floodplains Project.” Several other projects, like convention centres and tent cities, are still on DDA’s drawing board despite NGT’s rejection.
The Delhi government refuses to abide by NGT
A few months prior to the Delhi floods, the DDA had approached the Principal Committee for permissions for permanent construction in the Yamuna floodplains near Baansera, Sarai Kale Khan. According to reports, the proposals put forth included a café, a convention centre, and even an interpretation centre.
The principal committee’s members responded with a letter, refusing permission for the said construction projects, stating “it could not be permitted.” The letter dated January 31, 2023 also elaborated in detail on the negative effects of the construction on the river’s health and the need to preserve the floodplains.
However, the Delhi Development Association carried out the projects after a High-Level Committee (HLC) sanctioned permissions for the construction without notifying the NGT. It should be noted that unlike the NGT, which is formed by independent experts, the HLC consists of government officials.
In fact, the HLC meeting was presided over by Delhi Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena, who coincidentally is also the chairman of the DDA.
Despite the objections of the principal committee, the three permanent concrete constructions now sit upon the Yamuna floodplains, enticing visitors and residents with spectacular views, even though the risk of extreme floods in the monsoon grows larger with time.
The Delhi government prioritises aesthetic appeal over citizen safety
Independent experts like Bhim Singh Rawat, associate coordinator at the South Asia Networks on Dams, Rivers, and People, believe that despite DDA’s floodplain urbanisation policies, permanent construction will encroach upon the river’s spread and lead to heavier floods in the future. He reported, “The construction will lead to a reduction of the water-carrying capacity of the floodplain; we must focus on restoring the Yamuna to its natural form.”.
Experts have alleged that the mass evacuations triggered during the floods last year in June are likely to repeat themselves if the government carries on greenlighting construction projects that impede river flow.
With the impact of climate change becoming evident with every passing year, the government needs to better implement the environmental directives of the National Green Tribunal, unless it values aesthetic appeal over the wellbeing of the citizens.
NGT estimates that such severe violations will have a negative impact on the overall health of the rivers of the nations and will cause more severe natural disasters as a direct result of human intervention in nature.
