Notice to Delhi for dumping debris on Yamuna banks

Seize vehicles carrying it there, Green Tribunal directs Delhi authorities including DDA, DMRC and CPWD

The National Green Tribunal has reiterated its direction to authorities to ensure that no debris of any kind, including from construction, is thrown on the banks of the Yamuna.

A Bench also directed the public authorities to get the debris removed and to maintain proper log/records. “All Municipal Corporations, the Delhi Development Authority, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Central Public Works Department and other authorities shall duly act upon this order.”

The Tribunal had on January 31 ordered constitution of a high-power committee under the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. In its report, the committee, which held its first meeting, admitted that there was indiscriminate dumping. It was suggested that debris be removed and used for filling up low-level areas such as the Chilla Sports Complex here. However, “the suggestion was not accepted as it was likely to have an adverse impact on the environment. After some discussions, the meeting was adjourned to the first week of March.”

The Bench — comprising chairperson Swatanter Kumar, judicial member P. Jyothimani and expert members Dr. D.K. Agrawal, Prof. A.R. Yousuf and Dr. R.C. Trivedi — said the committee “shall positively hold its meeting in the first week of March and put up a complete comprehensive report before the Tribunal on the next date of hearing,” March 20.

The Bench issued notice to the DMRC Managing Director, the CPWD Director-General and the Director of the Horticulture Department, New Delhi, requiring them to show cause why they were throwing debris on the river banks.

The Tribunal directed the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Director General of the Uttar Pradesh Police to deploy a proper force at various places, including the wall between the roads and the river banks, to remove materials dumped and even from other entry points for vehicular traffic.

“No vehicle, particularly heavy vehicle, carrying any kind of debris is permitted to enter the banks of the Yamuna…” The police should seize such vehicles. However, those carrying debris from the river banks to outside sites would be permitted. “We see no reason why the Delhi Police have not permitted trucks bearing Haryana and UP registration numbers to carry debris to different sites which may be located in Delhi or even outside,” the Tribunal said.