Delhi High Court directed Delhi Development Authority’s Vice Chairman to clear all encroachments and illegal constructions from the river bank, river bed and drains that flow into Yamuna.
However, the Delhi government wanted the entire stretch of Yamuna Riverbank removed of such structures and thus it was on this recommendation that it was considered appropriate by the court to include directions regarding Shaheen Bagh in its final verdict though there was a petition only about this area.
The July 8 order of the HC also appointed Mr. Jain as Nodal Officer who will coordinate with officials of MCD, Delhi Police, DMRC, Irrigation & Flood Control Department, PWD, DPCC & Forest Department under his chairmanship.
The DDA Vice Chairman has been ordered to summon a conference within a week with all relevant people involved according to law.
“…said illegal construction is going on without any permission or environmental concerns” said by Ms. Burney in her petition. “This illegal construction would be detrimental to those areas’ ecolologically sensitive flood plains”, reads one part of their plea.
As per the plea, these constructions are sources of air pollution in this region that leads to respiratory problems which are associated with high concentrations of fine dust particles. Its final paragraph states that structures like houses should not be built or developed in floodplains due its impact on people living thereat during monsoons.
Additionally, they asked for an injunction against further illegal construction near Yamuna banks and floodplains as well.
Counsel for regional authorities admitted that floodplain area is neither allowed for any activity nor can be separated from river ecosystem; they also stated that such encroachment results into water diversion which causes flooding at downstreams.
They added that many scientists hold opinion on man-made floods in Delhi as these are mainly due to blocking up drains and dumping land into them as well as into riversides thereby constraining water capacity available for flowing out into Yamuna.
Also, Vice Chairman, DDA was directed by the High Court to submit a report on “Action Taken” within 6 weeks and listed the matter for hearing on September 9.
