Tribune India: New Delhi: Thursday, 1 August 2024.
The Delhi Development
Authority (DDA) has disclosed that it identified 2,881 jhuggis and over
1,383.75 acres of agricultural land as encroachments on the Yamuna floodplains,
and has demolished them following the directions of the National Green Tribunal
(NGT). This information was revealed in a Right to Information (RTI) response
to The Tribune.
The DDA stated that it has reclaimed more than 1,000 acres of land on the Yamuna floodplains.
“As many as 2,881 jhuggis and 1,383.75 acres of agricultural cultivation area were identified as encroachments. All identified encroachments, except for those involved in ongoing court cases, have been removed from the Yamuna floodplains. The encroachments include jhuggis, religious structures and agricultural cultivation,” the DDA said.
Furthermore, over 25 religious structures, seven dairies and three cricket grounds have been demolished by the authorities. The removal of these encroachments was carried out with the assistance of the Delhi Police. However, the encroachments at Majnu ka Tilla have not been cleared, as the Delhi High Court has imposed a stay on the action there.
“The DDA is making all efforts to restore the Yamuna floodplains, which involves not only ecological restoration but also the repossession of land from encroachers,” the authority added.
In light of the recent flooding in the Capital, experts have emphasised the importance of restoring the Yamuna floodplains. Delhi was traditionally planned along the Yamuna, which ensured the city did not face water scarcity or extreme floods.
The floodplains play a critical role in recharging groundwater and storing excess water. They also act as a buffer during floods by slowing water runoff. Construction on the floodplains obstructs the natural flow of water. Notably, Akshardham Temple and Commonwealth Village are built on designated floodplain zones.
The DDA has also directed the Public Works Department to remove debris, construction and demolition waste and building materials from the floodplains.
The DDA stated that it has reclaimed more than 1,000 acres of land on the Yamuna floodplains.
“As many as 2,881 jhuggis and 1,383.75 acres of agricultural cultivation area were identified as encroachments. All identified encroachments, except for those involved in ongoing court cases, have been removed from the Yamuna floodplains. The encroachments include jhuggis, religious structures and agricultural cultivation,” the DDA said.
Furthermore, over 25 religious structures, seven dairies and three cricket grounds have been demolished by the authorities. The removal of these encroachments was carried out with the assistance of the Delhi Police. However, the encroachments at Majnu ka Tilla have not been cleared, as the Delhi High Court has imposed a stay on the action there.
“The DDA is making all efforts to restore the Yamuna floodplains, which involves not only ecological restoration but also the repossession of land from encroachers,” the authority added.
In light of the recent flooding in the Capital, experts have emphasised the importance of restoring the Yamuna floodplains. Delhi was traditionally planned along the Yamuna, which ensured the city did not face water scarcity or extreme floods.
The floodplains play a critical role in recharging groundwater and storing excess water. They also act as a buffer during floods by slowing water runoff. Construction on the floodplains obstructs the natural flow of water. Notably, Akshardham Temple and Commonwealth Village are built on designated floodplain zones.
The DDA has also directed the Public Works Department to remove debris, construction and demolition waste and building materials from the floodplains.
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