Delhi govt asks for 12 weeks to demarcate Yamuna's floodplain

Experts have long held that there is a simple reason why the Delhi government has been unable to protect the Yamuna floodplains - they have never been demarcated and defined.

- Jasjeev Gandhiok

NEW DELHI: After the National Green Tribunal (NGT), in October, pushed the administration to do so by setting up a panel for the task, the Delhi government, in a submission to the body on January 29, has sought 12 weeks to complete the virtual demarcation of the floodplains, and a physical demarcation on the ground through signage and pillars.

Floodplains are a critical ecosystem they are a natural barrier against floods, serve as an ideal recharge mechanism (for rainwater especially), and provide a home to diverse flora and fauna. But they usually neglected, and often encroached upon often with disastrous consequences for not just the river, but also human habitations along its banks.

Floods such as the one last year which saw the Yamuna water level rise to an all-time high of 208.66 metres on July 13, with the river's waters almost reaching the Supreme Court and besieging the Red Fort, can be directly attributed to abuse of the floodplains, experts say.

NGT, in October, took cognizance of a media report and formed a committee headed by the Delhi chief secretary to identify, demarcate and notify the floodplains of the Yamuna as per the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.

It added that the delineation of Yamuna was required to prevent illegal developments in the floodplains.

The committee also comprises a nominee from Delhi Development Authority, the Secretary (Environment); the Secretary (ministry of Jal Shakti); executive director, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG); and commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).