Over 75% of the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi, covering more than 9,700 hectares, have been encroached upon, according to recent data from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Despite multiple anti-encroachment drives, the DDA has only managed to reclaim just over 400 hectares in the past two years.

The DDA's findings, based on satellite imaging and drone photographs, were submitted to various agencies, revealing that 7,362 hectares of the floodplains, designated as Zone O under the Delhi Master Plan 2021, are affected by illegal occupation and construction. The survey was conducted under the direction of the Delhi High Court, which also prompted the DDA to conduct ground-truthing of geospatial maps to determine the extent of the encroachments.

Zone O, as defined in the Master Plan 2021, includes the entire floodplain along the 22-kilometer stretch of the Yamuna within Delhi, from Wazirabad to Palla, spanning 9,700 hectares. In the draft Master Plan 2041, Zone O has been further divided into Zone O-I and Zone O-II. Zone O-I, termed the 'river zone,' will prohibit any construction, while regulated development will be allowed in Zone O-II. The DDA has identified around 76 unauthorised colonies in Zone O-II and has proposed delineation measures to regularise construction activities in these areas.

The high court has already directed the DDA to fence off the Yamuna floodplain to prevent future illegal encroachments and constructions. This directive includes removing illegal structures along the riverbank, riverbed, and any drains flowing into the river. The court also instructed the DDA to use the latest technologies to monitor potential illegal constructions and to coordinate with other concerned agencies and Delhi police to maintain law and order during anti-encroachment operations.

In a report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on July 13, the DDA stated that it had removed encroachments from 401.4 hectares of the Yamuna floodplains since June 2022. The demolition activities included clearing six dairy farms, three cricket grounds, and around 3,906 illegal establishments, such as jhuggis (makeshift shelters), cultivated fields, and additional dairy operations.

The DDA also reported that out of the ten biodiversity parks being developed within the Yamuna floodplain, four are currently free of encroachments. The remaining six projects face issues with encroached land, including areas under ongoing litigation.

The floodplain is a critical component of the Yamuna River’s ecosystem, playing a vital role in groundwater recharge. The issue of encroachment and illegal construction has led to at least four ongoing cases in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court.

Image source: ToI