NGT bans dumping in Yamuna

Schoolchildren participate in a drive to clean the polluted River Yamuna in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009. The U.N. convenes a two-week 192-nation conference on Monday intended to fashion the outline of a treaty to control greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement, to be completed in six to 12 months, seeks to check the rise in global temperatures that scientists warn could lead to devastating results in rising sea levels, shrinking access to drinking water, shifting agriculture and spreading diseases. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

After humongous amount of money going down the drain, so to speak, in the name of cleaning Yamuna, the National Green Tribunal on Tuesday directed against throwing of waste and debris in it and redefined the limit of flood plains.

The NGT bench headed by chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar titled its comprehensive judgment 'Maili Se Nirmal Yamuna project 2017'.

The bench put a spot fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone spotted throwing waste in Yamuna, as is generally seen in Delhi where people dispose worship material waste into the holy river from bridges across it. It also put a fine of Rs 50,000 on dumping of construction debris in the river.

Besides, the bench took note of rampant construction on floodplains, in contravention of all environmental norms.

The bench directed review of all existing constructions on the flood plains. It said only constructions of historical and cultural value would be allowed to stay.

The judgment came in a case initiated by Manoj Misra of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyaan. Mr. Misra said it is a very comprehensive judgment which is sure to make some difference.