The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to implement the recommendations of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), including deconcretisation, for six ongoing projects on the Yamuna floodplain.

 

The directive follows NGT’s suo motu action based on a news report highlighting concretisation on the floodplain. NMCG inspected the six sites—Asita East, a casting yard at Baansera, another casting yard two kilometers from the Signature Bridge, Millennium Bus Depot, Surghat, and Qudsia Ghat (renamed Vasudev Ghat)—in September 2024. The inspections led to recommendations for deconcretisation. 

The NGT referenced its 2015 order, which prohibits permanent structures or concretisation on the floodplain except in exceptional cases. NMCG emphasised restoring river-people connectivity at sites like Surghat and called for actions such as removing concretisation and promoting eco-friendly designs. 

At Baansera, advertised as an eco-friendly bamboo park, NMCG observed the presence of a casting yard for the Public Works Department’s Barapullah elevated corridor project. It suggested DDA coordinate with PWD to vacate and restore the area. 

Similarly, a casting yard near Signature Bridge belonging to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was identified. The NMCG urged DDA to ensure compliance with notices issued to DMRC. 

At Asita East, NMCG recommended reducing the use of paver blocks on a 300-meter pathway, proposing landscaping and restricted access using manual bicycles or battery-operated vehicles. 

The Millennium Bus Depot, constructed for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, also drew attention for its four-lane parking stretches. NMCG proposed testing fly ash and other materials on-site before dismantling. It advised DDA to prepare an action plan under regulatory supervision for handling demolition waste and restoring the ecosystem. 

The tribunal’s orders aim to align development projects with sustainable and floodplain-friendly practices. 

(ET)