New Delhi, March 29: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed relevant authorities in Delhi to delineate the 22-kilometer floodplain of the Yamuna River from Wazirabad to Palli in accordance with legal provisions. The NGT emphasized that artificial embankments cannot determine the boundaries of the floodplain.
The NGT bench, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Srivastava, along with expert members Dr. A. Senthil Vel and Dr. Afroz Ahmed, is hearing cases related to the demarcation of the Yamuna floodplain and encroachments.
A status report presented by the Delhi government indicated that a preliminary floodplain map has been prepared using GIS-based technology and 1-meter contour data. This map has been forwarded to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for ground demarcation, which includes installing boundary markers and verification.
According to the report, the demarcation and installation of bollards are expected to be completed by July 31, 2026. The report also noted that encroachments are being continuously removed, with 1,426.6 acres of floodplain land reclaimed between May 2022 and February 2026.
The NGT reviewed a proposal presented by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, which suggested constructing a flood barrier from Majnu Ka Tila to Nigambodh Ghat. However, the bench led by Justice Srivastava clarified that such structures cannot define the floodplain boundaries.
The NGT stated, “The demarcation of the floodplain should be conducted according to Section 3(I) of the ‘River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016,’ and artificial embankments cannot be regarded as the outer limits of the floodplain.”
The DDA confirmed its commitment to completing this task within the stipulated timeframe. The NGT instructed the Delhi government and DDA to submit further progress reports. The DDA’s lawyer stated, “The demarcation of the floodplain within this 22-kilometer boundary is the DDA’s responsibility, and it will be completed by July 31, 2026.”
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for July 16, 2026. The NGT requested that the progress report be submitted at least one week in advance.
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