NGT directs officials to resolve DDA-IFC row over Yamuna demarcation

Expressing displeasure over the stalling of the Yamuna floodplain demarcation, the National Green Tribunal has directed Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Environment) to resolve the issue between the DDA and the Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) Department.

The green body had earlier sought a progress report from the Delhi Development Authority. In an order dated July 16, made available on Monday, a bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad said that according to the DDA’s report, the IFC department had provided a revised map for physical demarcation in a communication dated June 6.

The bench noted that, according to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), till the date of receipt of the said communication, out of 277 bollards, 206 bollards were fixed, but after receiving the letter, the authority did not proceed with the demarcation work. It noted the DDA’s submission that if the communication is required to be acted upon, then a refixing of bollards may be required.

Expressing displeasure, the tribunal said that the demarcation of the floodplain of the river Yamuna in the given stretch of Delhi is to be carried out in terms of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.

It said that the parameters for demarcation, such as a one-meter contour with a 1:100-year flood level, had been fixed, and if following those parameters, the demarcation had started, then the IFC department needed to explain why “in the middle of that exercise a revised map is sent”.

“Since the entire work of demarcation of the floodplain is held up because of the said communication, we require the Principal Secretary, Environment (Delhi government) to hold a joint meeting of the officials of the DDA and IFC department within one week,” the tribunal said.

The NGT further directed the IFC department to file an affidavit explaining why a revised map was sent in the middle of an ongoing exercise.

The DDA has also been directed to file a fresh progress report at least one week before the next date of hearing (on September 18).