NGT Seeks Probe into Yamuna Floodplain Constructions in Noida

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a joint committee to investigate the nature of constructions carried out on the Yamuna floodplain in Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The committee, comprising representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), Noida CEO, and the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar, has been tasked with examining the site of each of the 50 applicants to determine whether the constructions are permanent or temporary.

The committee will collect all relevant information, including addresses, and probe whether proper permissions were obtained from the competent authorities for the constructions. They have been given two months to present their report before the tribunal.

The matter came to light when applicants, claiming to be owners of properties located in different villages of Noida, alleged that their houses were damaged due to the flooding of the Yamuna river between July 12 and 15, 2023. They claimed that contaminated water from the Yamuna, along with sewage, hazardous chemical waste, and smelly sludge, had entered their homes, causing significant damage. The applicants argued that this was a man-made disaster and demanded compensation for the damages to their properties, agriculture, and horticulture.

Initially, the tribunal took note of the claim made by the counsel appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, who stated that the applicants were not villagers but owners of farmhouses who had illegally constructed on the Yamuna flood zone. Consequently, the tribunal directed the state government's counsel to submit details of the properties owned by all 50 applicants, including the nature of the constructions and whether approval was obtained from the competent authorities.

On May 18, 2024, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar filed a reply along with a chart detailing the properties of the applicants. The reply revealed that these properties were primarily farmhouses, and photographs included in the report showed that the constructions were permanent in nature.

While the applicants have filed a reply claiming that the constructions are not permanent, they have not provided any evidence to support their claim.

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