DDA Continues to Destroy Indian Yamuna River Floodplains

The oung boy crushed to death at Bariyari sand mine site in Banda and the aggrived villagers. Image- Amar Ujala via SANDRP

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(Feature Image: Huge part of Yamuna floodplain raised by massive soil dumping near Bela Estate just upstream Shashtri Park Metro Depot in North East Delhi. Photo Credit: Vivek Nigam, Photo Journalist Amar Ujala, Source: Principal Correspondent in Amar Ujala, Delhi)

In latest example proving Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) utter failure in protecting Yamuna River floodplains from abuse and encroachment, a large part of floodplain land has been levelled by soil dumping thus raising it by several meters at Bela Estate farm near Shashtri Park Metro Depot. As per the reports, the DDA has allotted about 19.5 ha of floodplain to forest dept for compensatory plantation. The plantation work at the site like at most of the sites on Yamuna floodplain in Delhi has suffered damages during July 2023 floods. And the levelling at the Bela Estate site is being done in the name of protecting the compensatory plantation.

Landscaping being done at the floodplain area near Shastri Park. Image credit- ToI via SANDRP

The site is among few remaining floodplain patches available for spread of flood waters. The floodplain area on western bank at the location is less and already developed. Due to natural gradient, the part of floodplain on eastern side undergoes periodic floods. The patch was under several feet floodwater in July 2023. The floodplain immediately downstream the site has already been encroached by the bridge road, metro depot and buildings. Hence, raising of floodplain here would not only reduce spread of flood waters but also hamper the groundwater recharge.

Clearly, the act is in brazen violation of Maili Se Nirmal Yamuna a landmark order by the NGT in January 2015. Firstly, any kind of dumping be it of soil is prohibited by NGT order. However, the DDA has been time and again found facilitating to all sort of dumping in Yamuna floodplain. Secondly, allotting floodplain land for compensatory plantation is a questionable move. The floodplain land is already being abused by plantation of non-native and ornamental species at the cost of natural vegetation of the floodplain.

DDA being the custodian of floodplain is expected to protect the floodplain and restore it without affecting its natural registration as reminded by NGT several times. However, the agency continues to be insensitive and acting ignorant towards floodplain ecology and is managing floodplain affairs in complete unaccountable and illegal manner.

Due to discontinuation of Yamuna Monitoring Committee and non-functioning of Yamuna Principal Committee, the river is losing its floodplains bit by bit which is very much a recipe for disaster as seen during 2023 floods. In such a situation NGT is requested to take sou moto action against DDA, forest department and make them undo soil dumping from the site. We also hope the NGT will soon resume monitoring of Yamuna floodplains by independent expert committee before it is too late.

YAMUNA FLOODPLAIN

Delhi Experts object to elevation work on floodplain Violating the NGT orders and floodplain related norms, Delhi Forest Dept is filling up the floodplains in 19.5 ha in NE Delhi. Ecologists have objected to the elevation work being done on the Yamuna floodplain at Bela Farm Estate near Shastri Park in northeast Delhi. A TOI team that visited the locality found that the truckloads of debris and soil had already been dumped, which had elevated the area within a boundary marked as Bela Farm Estate that came under DDA. The move has filled the low-lying area by several metres, bringing it at the level of the main road.

A board of Delhi forest department’s south forest division marking the 2022-23 plantation drive over 19.5 ha was found in the area while a deserted horse stable at the end of the floodplain had a signage reading Delhi Mounted Police.

Experts, however, pointed out that the work violated the 2015 NGT judgment in the case of Manoj Mishra versus Union of India, Delhi govt and others, which had set the guidelines to be followed to protect the Yamuna and its floodplain. “No filling of the floodplain/riverbeds be allowed in the name of development and renovation of ghats,” it had stated. NGT has now formed a high-level committee under the Delhi chief secretary to demarcate and conserve the Yamuna floodplain. Officials at forest department, however, claimed that the low-lying area was being elevated to save the future plantation from flood. According to the department, the plantation on 19 ha of the floodplain was lost during the 2023 Yamuna flood. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/experts-object-to-elevation-work-on-yamuna-floodplain-in-ne-delhi/articleshow/108861730.cms  (29 March 2024)

NGT asks for redefinition of floodplains The NGT has asked the Delhi government to demarcate Yamuna floodplains keeping one-in-100-year risk probability in its calculations, a direction that can significantly expand the area that could be made out of bounds for settlements and construction work. Current efforts to demarcate Yamuna floodplains take into account a one-in-25-year flooding risk. The tribunal, also asked the government for details of a standard operating procedure (SOP) it was following for the demarcation of the floodplain land and gave it three weeks to submit a fresh report.

NGT had in Oct 2023, taken suo motu cognisance of a media report, when it formed a joint committee headed by the Delhi chief secretary to identify, demarcate and notify floodplains of the Yamuna as per the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection & Management) Authorities Order, 2016. “The response which has been placed on record reflects that in terms of the above order the authorities intend to define the floodplain zone by taking 1:25 years as the criteria whereas the Rejuvenation Order, 2016 defines the floodplain as stated above. Therefore, with the river Yamuna being a tributary of Ganga, the flood plain corresponding to its greatest flow or with a flood frequency once in 100 yrs, is required to be demarcated,” said a bench headed by NGT chairperson justice Prakash Shrivastava in an order of March 21.

Bhim Singh Rawat, a Yamuna activist and member of SANDRP, said the directions from NGT are welcomed: “The criteria for floodplains has become more stringent and this will allow more land along the river to be counted as a floodplain, as compared to earlier. This will also mean if demarcated properly, more encroachments are likely to be removed,” said Rawat, adding that despite multiple orders of NGT, there was no transparency on Yamuna’s floodplain area. “Boards have also been placed in some parts along the river, stating this was a floodplain area, but they are not maintained properly and are suffering from wear and tear. Until we carry out a proper demarcation, such boards have no meaning,” he added. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/green-tribunal-asks-for-redefinition-of-floodplains-101711304951019.html  (25 March 2024)

Floodplains will be demarcated soon: Govt to NGT The Delhi government had in the last week of January, sought a time of 12 weeks from NGT to complete demarcation of the Yamuna floodplains, along with a physical demarcation on the ground using signage and pillars.

In a submission dated March 19 detailing the progress, the environment department of the Delhi government informed the tribunal that multiple meetings have been held by a joint committee formed by NGT in Oct 2023 to oversee demarcation. It said that major govt departments and bodies like the DDA, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department and the forest department have provided details of land under them on the floodplains in a KML file format to prepare maps.

NGT said that the delineation of Yamuna was required to prevent illegal developments in the floodplains. The committee comprises a nominee from DDA, secretaries of environment, and the ministry of Jal Shakti, executive director, NMCG and the Delhi municipal commissioner. The secretary (environment) of Delhi was made the nodal officer for coordination and compliance. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/yamuna-floodplains-will-be-demarcated-soon-govt-to-ngt-101710956503890.html  (21 March 2024)

HC fines man claiming all lands between Ganga & Yamuna “You say you own the entire area between Yamuna and Ganga. On what basis you’re coming? After 75 years you have woken up…The grievance arose in 1947. Isn’t it too late in the day to contest this? We are in 2024 now. Many years have gone by. Whether you’re the raja or not, we don’t know. You cannot complain today that you’ve been deprived in 1947,” the Bench remarked. https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-man-claiming-all-lands-between-ganga-and-yamuna  (14 March 2024)

INTERLINKING OF YAMUNA RIVERS

SANDRP Blog Yamuna Manthan: Linking Plans Threatening rivers The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) river interlinking project has potential to deprive these rivers and ultimately Yamuna of essential environmental flows in lower segment in addition to increasing disaster potential and profound adverse impacts on riverine eco-system as suggested in a latest study below. The study mentions that the alteration and reduction in flow patterns would cause many problems in these rivers from destruction of aquatic lives to increase in river water temperature, pollution accumulation and erosion to changes in sediment transportation to impact on river morphology. As a solution the study suggest mandatory incorporation of e-flows as basic component in water management strategies of the project.

It is far better to exhaust all local alternatives and ensure that adversely affected riverine communities and others are able to take democratic and informed decision before embarking on massive project which in the long run would prove detrimental to still living and flowing Yamuna basin rivers in lower segments. https://sandrp.in/2024/03/06/yamuna-manthan-060324-linking-plans-threatening-yamuna/  (6 March 2024)

Ken-Betwa Linking Why no foundation stone? Prime Minister has issued instructions that there should be a time limit to complete a project once its foundation is laid. The reason why Modi did not lay the foundation of the Ken-Betwa link project is because the tender for Daudhan dam was not finalised. Its foundation will be laid only when the Lok Sabha election is over. The Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority floated its tender, and its technical bid was opened on March 11. Only after the financial bid, the name of the company getting the contract for the work will be clear, which may take some time. https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/mp-tender-not-finalised-pm-said-no-to-laying-ken-betwa-project-foundation  (21 March 2024)

YAMUNA CATCHMENT

Silent crisis of mountain springs & its implications The drying up of local water sources are described as a slow-onset disaster. These may be less dramatic than the instances of too much water that struck communities across the valleys of the Hindu Kush Himalaya with such ferocity last monsoon, perhaps most notably in Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, but they are no less devastating. https://india.mongabay.com/2024/03/troubled-waters/  (22 March 2024)

E-launch of ‘A narrative of the Ganga (a citizen’s report)’ book which is an outcome of the India Rivers Week 2018 conference. It is edited by Dr. Ravi Chopra, Shri Manoj Misra & Shri Manu Bhatnagar. https://indiariversforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ganga-citizens-report-final.pdf

Study Landscape evolution of the NW Himalayan rivers Abstract The paper presents the high-resolution chronostratigraphic records based on 47 optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages from 6 cores (∼50 m deep) retrieved across the palaeo-channels of the Yamuna. It documents multi-storied sand bodies deposited by a mobile channel belt in a large alluvial fan system characterized by four possible stages of drainage reorganization and landscape evolution during the late Quaternary. It has also been inferred that a major eastward shift of the palaeo-Yamuna River occurred at ∼18 ka, predating both the westward shift of the Sutlej at ∼8 ka and the decline of the Harappan Civilization at ∼3.9 ka BP. The chronostratigraphic data helps to understand the drainage reorganization of the Himalayan river systems during the late Quaternary in the NW Himalayan foreland and reaffirms the non-contemporaneity of the Harappan Civilization with a large river system. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277379124001239  (March 2024)

Uttarakhand Silkyara tunnel company bought Rs. 55 cr bonds The Election Commission data show that Hyderabad-based Navayuga Engineering Company Limited, the contractor for the 4.5-km-long Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel in Uttarakhand that caved in last Nov 2023, purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 55 crore between 2019 and 2022. The company bought the first two lots of Rs 30 crore and Rs 15 crore in Apr and Oct 2019, respectively, while the third lot of Rs 10 cr was picked up in Oct 2022. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-the-list-firm-in-uttarakhand-tunnel-collapse-others-with-a-dodgy-record-9217031/ (16 Mar 2024)

In mid-2020, Navayuga was also granted the govt’s ambitious Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail link project. It is responsible for many large & prestigious projects, including bridges over the Ganga, the Quazigund to Banihal Highway project to ensure all-weather connectivity to N Kashmir through Pir Panjal Pass, as per its website. It has also built the Dhola-Sadia Bridge, over the Brahmaputra river, which PM Modi inaugurated in 2017. It was among those responsible for work on the Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Expressway, whose first phase was inaugurated by PM in Dec 2022. https://thewire.in/business/navayuga-engineering-responsible-for-building-the-collapsed-silkyara-tunnel-bought-rs-55-cr-of-bonds (15 Mar 2024)

In the Uttarkashi Tunnel collapse in 2023, 41 workers were trapped. No action has been taken so far against Navayuga in the case. https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/navayuga-behind-collapsed-uttarkashi-tunnel-donated-55-crore-to-bjp#read-more  (21 March 2024)

Operator dies after shotcrete machine falls into ditch An operator of a shotcrete machine deployed at Silkyara tunnel was killed on March 24 after the machine slipped and rolled into a ditch. While locals said the machine fell into a ditch near the mouth of the tunnel, officials claimed that it took place 150 m away. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/another-tragedy-at-silkyara-tunnel-operator-dies-after-shotcrete-machine-falls-into-ditch/cid/2009339  (27 Mar 2024)

YAMUNA RIVERS

SANDRP Blog Parliamentary Committee Report Missing on River Governance The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources has submitted its 27th report titled “Review of Upper Yamuna River Cleaning Projects upto Delhi and Riverbed Management in Delhi” to the Parliament on 6 Feb 2024. The 113 paged report has two parts first on Narration and second on Observation and 25 Recommendations. The first part of the report has XI chapters dealing with various issues of River Yamuna.

SANDRP here presents a detailed chapter wise overview of the key observations made by the Committee based on the replies mainly from Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation along with the Committee’s recommendations and some comments. https://sandrp.in/2024/03/12/yamuna-parliamentary-committee-report-missing-on-river-governance/  (12 March 2024)

Rajasthan NGT seeks report on Sahibi river check dams The NGT has directed Rajasthan chief secretary to file an affidavit as to whether any check dams have been constructed on Sahibi river and what is the status of flow of water in the same during different periods to Haryana border. It has issued the directions while hearing a petition filed by local resident Prakash Yadav alleging that dirty water was being discharged in hundreds of acres of vacant land of dried-up Sahabi river, leading to contamination of ground water and damage to trees and other vegetation. The NGT had maintained that Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi must coordinate and cooperate for rejuvenation of interstate Sahibi river so that catchment area of the river is harnessed and minimum flow is maintained to restore its ecology and aquatic life.

The Chief Secretary of Delhi has also been directed to file an affidavit as to whether Najafgarh drain was at any point of time known as Sahibi river and whether the same can be renamed as Sahibi River for generating people’s support to its rejuvenation and as to what remedial measures are required to be taken for rejuvenation of the Sahibi apart from treatment of sewage & tapping of the sewage drains falling in it. The chief secretaries of both the states have been asked to file their affidavits within two months. Next hearing on May 13. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/ngt-asks-rajasthan-to-file-report-on-sahibi-river-check-dams-602012  (18 March 2024)

YAMUNA POLLUTION

Haryana Tale of parallel drains Bhim Singh Rawat SANDRP said DJB’s findings were fairly accurate, and said to have documented the same problem multiple times since 2010. “Both of these drains are supposed to be stormwater drains, but drain 6 carries toxic effluents and there is no permanent barrier between the two drains. During rains and even when flow is strong, drain 6 overflows into drain 8. We have also seen sandbags placed in between at places to separate the two, which will clearly never work,” he added, stating the only solution in the long run is to prevent waste and effluents from entering drain 6 too. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tale-of-parallel-drains-djb-says-haryana-channel-impacting-delhi-s-water-supply-101709748272356.html  (07 March 2024)

Take action on drain impacting Delhi’s water NGT had now directed Haryana to address the Drain 6 of Yamuna contaminating Delhi Water supply coming through drain 8 and file action taken report by Sept 2024. SANDRP has raised this issue multiple times in the past. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/take-action-on-drain-impacting-delhi-s-water-ngt-tells-hry-101710094863648.html  (11 March 2024)

Disposal of offerings: DPCC, UPPCB to file responses within 4 weeks A Bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said that DPCCs counsel failed to point out the committee’s response on the issue. The Bench noted that the counsel’s submissions about submitting “a fresh proper response” covering the issue within four weeks. In an order passed on March 18, the Bench noted that there was a similar plea of filing its response within four weeks from the UPPCBs counsel. NGT allowed it. Next hearing on July 3. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/disposal-of-offerings-in-ganga-yamuna-ngt-allows-dpcc-uppcb-to-file-responses-within-4-weeks/article67990838.ece (25 Mar 2024)

Delhi DPCC to find mess behind river pollution DPCC in its 72nd board meeting has said that a study will be conducted to determine the sources of pollution in Yamuna, apart from sewage. The board observed that despite STPs treating 70% of sewage, there hasn’t been considerable improvement in the water quality of Yamuna. The meeting was held on Feb 20, minutes were shared recently. Currently, there is a gap of 222 MGD in sewage treatment. In its last board meeting on Dec 14, 2023, it was decided that DPCC will install 10 online continuous monitoring stations (OLMS) in Yamuna to collect real-time data on water quality. Currently, water samples are collected manually and analysed only once in a month. DPCC also planned to procure a mobile laboratory van to monitor water samples at various locations. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/dpcc-study-on-yamuna-pollution-sources-delhi-pollution-control-committee/articleshow/108570285.cms  (18 March 2024)

NGT: Re-examine source of water contamination After an NGT-constituted committee found contamination in water samples from 180 societies in Dwarka, the tribunal has directed Delhi Pollution Control Committee to re-examine the source of contamination and reason for presence of ammoniacal nitrogen and total dissolved solid in samples. A report filed in NGT on May 17, 2023, stated that of 354 societies in Dwarka, water samples from 180 were found contaminated with ammoniacal nitrogen and total dissolved solid due to faulty rainwater harvesting systems.

“An action taken report dated Jan 4 has been filed by the DPCC which reiterates the fact that 180 samples were found to be contaminated primarily on account of presence of ammoniacal nitrogen and total dissolved solid… contamination was found due to presence of organic matter and mixing of society waste in RWA pits. The reason disclosed for the same was that common pipelines for rooftop rainwater harvesting structures and wastewater from washing machines and floor washing areas were found to be connected,” observed the bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ngt-directs-delhi-pollution-control-committee-to-re-examine-water-contamination-in-dwarka/articleshow/106712833.cms  (11 Jan. 2024)

Delhi; UP; Haryana River cries: Go deeper into rot, NGT tells 3 states  The NGT has observed that reports from Delhi, UP and Haryana govts on the rejuvenation of the Yamuna must disclose each drain’s quantity of treated and untreated discharge and the number of sewage treatment plants set up. The tribunal directed the govts to re-submit their reports after finding “deficiencies” in it. The govts were asked to produce information on the drains that discharged wastewater into the river, the operational STPs and their capacities, areas that were not under a sewage network system, measures taken to utilise treated wastewater for non-contact purposes and the plan for restoration of the Yamuna floodplain.

“We find that the requisite information which is necessary for ascertaining the factual situation has not been disclosed,” the NGT said. Last October, the NGT, which was hearing a plea on the river’s rejuvenation, sought several details from the three state govts. On Delhi’s report, the green court noted that out of 22 drains meeting the Yamuna, only nine drains have been tapped and untapped 13 drains are still discharging huge quantities of sewage. It was also noted that Najafgarh and Shahdara drains, which are the major sources of sewage discharge (507.4 MGD), are said to be not feasible for interception. No timeline is disclosed for the completion of Interceptor Sewer Project to divert the flow of these two drains. https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2024/Jan/14/yamuna-cries-go-deeper-into-rot-ngt-tells-3-states-2650751.html  (14 Jan. 2024)

YAMUNA RIVERS BIODIVERSITY

Sanctuaries inside Indian rivers Venkatesh Dutta There are several stretches of rivers that have been declared protected areas under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. These river stretches are special in many ways — they are known to protect and shelter many iconic species such as dolphins, gharials, otters and turtles.

The National Chambal Sanctuary, also known as the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a vast area that covers 5,400 sq. km. The river meanders through a labyrinth of ravines and hills within the sanctuary. It extends over three states, namely, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The sanctuary is known to provide a habitat for the distinct aquatic life that thrives in the Chambal river, particularly the critically endangered gharial. https://www.civilsocietyonline.com/column/living-rivers/bringing-back-wildlife/  (March 2024)

Book Why Chambal is India’s cleanest river Excerpt from The Cobra’s Gaze: Exploring India’s Wild Heritage by Stephen Alter Unlike the Yamuna and the Ganga, into which its waters flow, the Chambal is not considered a sacred river and there are no temples, pilgrimage sites, and bathing ghats on its banks.

Few large towns are situated along the Chambal and as a result the river has been spared the worst forms of pollution like industrial effluents and urban sewage. Several dams have been built along the upper reaches of the river, which affect the flow and restrict the migration of fish and other aquafauna. Sand mining also threatens the habitat of rare species that breed on its shores. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/reviews/book-excerpt-an-ancient-legend-explains-why-the-chambal-is-india-s-cleanest-river-95054 (16 Mar 2024)

MINING IN YAMUNA RIVERS

Haryana Examine rule exempting first two offences: NGT The NGT has found fault with Haryana’s standard operating procedure (SOP) for the imposition and realisation of environmental damage compensation against units or persons involved in illegal mining. It has questioned Rule 104 of the Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking and Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules 2012, which exempts registration of FIRs on the first and second offence.

The tribunal said, “In SOP, reference has been made to Rule 104 which exempts registration of FIRs on the first and second offence. The question of the same being ultra vires the constitution/ the parent Act and violative of the directions issued by the Supreme Court and this Tribunal needs to be examined. The SOP prepared is also materially deficient and needs review, particularly with respect to the aspect of realisation of environmental compensation as it inhibits the Deputy Commissioner concerned from recovering environmental compensation (EC) immediately on default and mandates him to take action in case of failure to deposit EC after six months,” said the tribunal.

As per Rule 104, on the first offence of illegal mining, minerals along with tools, equipment and vehicle are seized and released upon realisation of payment of the minerals’ price and applicable royalty, in addition to the fine, which shall not be less than Rs 10,000. But no FIR is registered. For the second offence, the mineral and equipment will be seized for a minimum of seven days and will be released on payment of the mineral’s cost, applicable royalty, and fine, which shall not be less than Rs 15,000. Here too, FIR is not registered. Only in the case of offence for the third time or more, FIR is registered and equipment is handed over to the police. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/examine-rule-exempting-first-two-offences-ngt-directs-haryana-govt-605710  (31 March 2024)

Preserve fertile farmland, do not permit mining: NGT experts A panel of experts, formed on the orders of the NGT, have recommended that “mining should not be allowed in any case on fertile agricultural land as there is no possibility of replenishment”. The NGT is hearing a case related to mining on agricultural land at Jaidhar and Mandewala villages in Yamunanagar. The panel was asked to look into all relevant aspects of sand mining on agricultural land in Haryana and make recommendations regarding environmental safeguards.

Representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Central Pollution Control Board; Indian Agricultural Research Institute; Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun; Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar; and Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal; and Haryana State Pollution Control Board were part of the panel.

On altering hydrological balance, it added, “Disruption of natural drainage patterns due to sand mining can lead to water-logging. Sedimentation from shallow mining activities can pollute surface water bodies. Deep mining of sand and gravel, as was observed in the visited surrounding area, removes an important water filtering layer. For excessively mined land, chemicals in the runoff can pollute the groundwater aquifers.” The report further pointed out, “Large-scale sand mining can result in land subsidence, where the ground sinks due to the removal of underlying materials. If an adequate buffer zone is not provided between one farmer’s mined land, the adjoining land can also erode over time. The natural replenishment of sand is not possible in the mined area which is not on the riverbed. Jaidhar and Mandewala sites are not on the riverbed, so replenishment is highly unlikely.”

Before permitting mining on agricultural land, the panel says it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. This assessment should evaluate the potential impacts on soil fertility, water resources, biodiversity and local ecosystems. The panel noticed crops like sugarcane and wheat with popular agroforestry at fields in Jaidhar which reflected soil being fertile. At Mandewala, the wheat crop was found during inspection. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/preserve-fertile-farmland-in-haryana-do-not-permit-mining-ngt-experts-602657  (20 March 2024)

Firms misuse permits, issue fake eRawanas in Yamunanagar 3 short-term permits (STPs) were illegally generated on the Haryana Mines and Geology Information System (HMGIS), a portal of the Mines and Geology Department, Yamunanagar, in the name of two firms, reportedly associated with construction work. This was allegedly done to issue fake eRawanas to the screening plants and stone crushers to carry out illegal mining.

When the matter came to the notice of the Mining Department, they informed the higher authorities & got an FIR lodged in connection with a case of misuse of STPs & HMGIS portal. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/firms-misuse-permits-issue-fake-erawanas-in-yamunanagar-district-598018  (06 March 2024)

Uttar Pradesh NGT issues notice over illegal mining The NGT has formed a panel to investigate the matter thoroughly and tasked the committee with providing insights into the range of illegal mining and identifying those accountable for it. The tribunal was hearing a case in which it had taken suo motu cognisance of a media report alleging that some contractors were mining sand illegally in Nanglarai village. According to the report, unlicensed mining caused trenches that were around thirty feet deep. It also claimed that fields had been affected by overloaded sand-transporting vehicles, which also demolished a check dam built to stop floods. Next hearing on April 24. https://news.abplive.com/states/up-uk/uttar-pradesh-illegal-sand-mining-muzaffarnagar-ngt-issue-notices-cpcb-uppcb-1665058 (16 Feb 2024)

YAMUNA WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

MoEF Panel to study impact of construction  on Ramsar site in Delhi-NCR Concerned about the potential impact of several housing and infrastructure projects in areas surrounding the Sultanpur National Park in Haryana, the National Board for Wildlife has ordered setting up of a committee to study their cumulative impact on the internationally important wetland. Discussing a proposal for the use of land within the eco-sensitive zone of the Sultanpur National Park for the construction of a low-cost housing project, the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife noted that such projects in the area are impacting the national park, which is also a Ramsar site, as per the minutes of a meeting on Feb 28. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/03/04/del124-env-haryana-wetland.html (4 March 2024)

YAMUNA URBAN WATER

Gautam Budh Nagar MCC can’t halt steps to remedy ecological damage: NGT Holding that ”measures required to be taken for remediation of environmental damage are not/cannot be barred by the model code of conduct”, imposed for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the NGT told the authorities that the amicus curiae appointed to look into the state of water bodies in Gautam Budh Nagar may visit the relevant sites, seek the information/document from the authorities concerned and verify the factual position regarding the remedial measures taken and suggest further remedial measures if any. The NGT further said on March 19 that the report of the amicus curiae will be submitted by him a week prior to the next hearing on July 23, 2024. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/model-code-can-t-halt-steps-to-remedy-ecological-damage-ngt-tells-authorities-101711563334733.html (28 Mar 2024)

6 housing societies asked to fix dysfunctional RWH system At least six housing societies in Gautam Budh Nagar have been asked to fix their dysfunctional rainwater harvesting system following an inspection, officials said on March 9, adding that two others, who didn’t even have the water harvesting system in place, have been issued notices. The development came as the district ground water department is carrying out inspections to check illegal extraction of groundwater by various establishments across the district in the light of Gautam Budh Nagar administration’s directions given earlier.

There are around 600-650 establishments across Gautam Budh Nagar, including industrial, commercial, residential, government buildings, among others, that have acquired NOCs for groundwater extraction, as of Feb 2024. The department levies a penalty ranging from ₹2 to 5 lakh on erring establishments on the first offence, on all types of buildings. The fine is doubled in case of repetition of offence. In Nov 2023, a fine of ₹23 lakh was imposed including on housing societies for illegally extracting groundwater while a case was also registered against one of the housing societies in Greater Noida (West). https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/six-housing-societies-asked-to-fix-dysfunctional-rain-harvesting-system-101710007595781.html  (10 March 2024)

Ghaziabad City declared ‘Red Zone’ as groundwater level declines In the wake of these developments, the district authorities have expressed concern and as per the survey of the District Geological Management Committee, which started in Jan, more than 30,000 small and big industrial units have been involved in exploiting the groundwater illegally for many years. After the report about the water crisis came to limelight, the Ghaziabad district administration started surveying the industrial units that are illegally exploiting groundwater day and night. Nearly 30,000 small and large units are there across more than one and a half dozen industrial areas in the district with only a few having groundwater connections. https://www.india.com/uttar-pradesh/after-bengaluru-water-crisis-hits-ghaziabad-city-declared-red-zone-as-groundwater-level-declines-6788758/  (15 March 2024)

RELEVANT REPORTS 

Study River water quality shaped by land–river connectivity This Review particularly focuses on the influential role of land–river connectivity in regulating water quality amid gradually changing climate and episodic climate extremes. Existing models and theories serve as strong foundations for gauging water quality responses to gradual climatic shifts but will nevertheless need further enhancements under unprecedented climate regimes.

For climate extremes, forecasting water quality will necessitate fundamental paradigm shifts in the process of understanding and formulation of new theories and models that build upon innovative data collection technologies and strategies. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-023-01923-x.epdf  (08 May 2022)

Report Center tells NGT not to bring slaughterhouses under EIA Animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi approached the NGT in 2023 raising concerns regarding over consumption of water at slaughterhouses, contamination of water bodies due to improper solid waste disposal and the risk of zoonotic diseases due to exposure to unhealthy carcasses among others.

The affidavit based on a report by an 8-member working group set up by the ministry in Aug 2023 said that there will be no significant value addition by bringing such units under the ambit of EIA, 2006 as only the issue is the implementation of the regulations already in place. The ministry’s working group report said illegal slaughterhouses with a capacity of up to nine animals are causing “significant damage to the environment” and need to be regulated and monitored in a more efficient manner. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/no-need-to-bring-slaughterhouses-meat-processing-units-under-eia-centre/cid/2007705  (18 March 2024)

Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)