Devise A Mechanism To Stop Illegal Constructions In FloodPlains Which Will Affect Flow Of River Yamuna : NGT

A bench led by Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel gave the directions while hearing a plea filed by Akash Vashishtha. It was alleged that a road was being illegally constructed on the river bed of Yamuna in Vrindavan - Mathura between Shringarvat and Keshi Ghat and other illegal constructions, including multi-storied buildings, had also come up on the active floodplains and the riverbed of Yamuna in the holy town of Vrindavan.

Advocate Rahul Choudhary, appearing for the applicant had argued that 'Irreparable damage was being done to ancient Ghats by filling the steps of the ancient Ghats, including Cheer Ghat, Govind Ghat and Bhramar Ghat, had also been filled with construction rubble and debris to build an approach road to transport the construction rubble and debris, in order to reclaim land for the construction of the illegal metalled road. The activities are in violation of River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act) 1974."

The District Magistrate, Mathura and Mathura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) filed their report on March 5, in which it stated that the area mentioned is in the control of the Irrigation Department. No construction was permitted there. Some temporary huts have been constructed. The PWD had started construction of a semi-circle type bridge near Keshi Ghat which was removed on the orders of the Hon'ble High Court. Earlier, a temple was constructed illegally against which proceedings have been initiated. Temporary huts are removed from time to time.

The bench said "Photographs annexed to the report do show constructions which may call for further action. It may also be necessary to devise an appropriate mechanism to ensure that no such constructions take place in the floodplain zone so that the flow of the river is not in any manner adversely affected."

It also directed the District Magistrate, Mathura to continue taking further action in the matter in coordination with other authorities. It allowed the applicant to make representation to the District Magistrate, Mathura with the information on the subject to ensure further effective action in accordance with law. The tribunal will next hear the matter on September 2.