(Feature Image: Yamuna floodplain downstream old railway bridge Delhi. March 2024, SANDRP)

In the past one month there have been some interesting judicial interventions taking up the matters of floodplain, pollution and aquatic eco-system of the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Of these, the most significant one is the NGT order on July 11 fining MoJS & CWC of ₹50 000 each for the non-demarcation of floodplain in Agra.

The fine was to be submitted before Aug. 06,2024 hearing but there is no update available so far on this. It is also not clear whether Yamuna floodplain has been demarcated and officially notified in Agra stretch or not. Earlier in May 2019 and March 2022, the NGT had asked for demarcation of Yamuna floodplain in Agra and Mathura respectively. 

The second important decision is by Delhi High Court which while stressing on the utmost need of floodplain protection refused to stay the demolition of an unauthorized temple structure built in river floodplain in Geeta Colony area in Delhi. Earlier, a single bench judge of HC and apex court have also dismissed the petition.

In a separate case, the Delhi High Court has again directed the DDA to remove all encroachments and illegal constructions from riverbed and along the drains in Delhi. In an earlier hearing, the court had asked the agency to clear floodplain of all legacy construction waste and dumping debris before June 30.

Unfortunately, the execution of this direction has not happened. Moreover, the DDA has taken no action against leveling of around 19 ha of floodplain near Shashtri Park. Sadly, the river floodplain is yet to be mapped and demarcated in Delhi despite NGT orders and River Ganga Authorities Order, 2016.

The case of Najafgarh wetland notification still lingering in NGT and in latest hearing, the Haryana govt shockingly informed the NGT that it will notify only 75 acres of the 5,288 acre area as wetlands. This is happening after Haryana govt has been avoiding answering this issue since 2017.

The NGT has meanwhile issued some suggestions to district Ganga committees regarding management of religious waste causing pollution in Yamuna and Ganga rivers. Earlier, the green tribunal has also taken sou motu cases of declining fish in Yamuna river and threat to Gangetic dolphin and issued notices to concerned departments including CPCB, MoEF&CC and CIFRI.

In the latest case, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought action taken report from the state government on the issue of riverbed mining happening on large scale within 10 km of Asan wetland conservation reserve without any permission from NBWL and MoEF&CC.

Interestingly, the state government proposal for diversion of 6.22 hectares of forest land for riverbed mineral mining in Paonta Sahib forest division was considered by the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) on July 4, 2024. The FAC deferred the proposal seeking more information from the govt. Since the area is close to the Asan wetlands, hope the FAC will consider this fact while taking up the matter in next meeting.

Agra NGT fines MoJS, CWC for floodplain oversight This action stems from the NGT taking suo motu cognisance of a TOI report on Mar 6, 2022. The hearing, held on Jul 11, was overseen by NGT bench members Justice Sudhir Agarwal & expert member Afroz Ahmad. Dr Sharad Gupta raised the issue of extensive illegal mining destroying sand dunes and ravines near the Taj Mahal and within the restricted floodplain zone of the Yamuna through a letter suo moto petition. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/ngt-fines-jal-shakti-ministry-cwc-for-yamuna-floodplain-oversight-in-agra/articleshow/111723187.cms (14 July 202)

Delhi Floodplain has to be zealously protected from unauthorised constructions: HC  The Yamuna River Floodplain has to be zealously protected from encroachment and unauthorised constructions, the Delhi High Court recently said. The observation came in an appeal moved by Pracheen Shiv Mandir Avam Akhada Samiti against a May 29 order of the single-judge bench which had dismissed its plea against demolition of a temple located in the Geeta Colony area and had further directed the samiti to remove the idols.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela in its July 10 order refused to interfere with the single-judge bench’s order, and said that the appellant society had not placed “even a single scrap of a document” to show any kind of legitimacy it exercises, “either over the land or the illegal structure built thereon”.

“In such (a) fact situation…it is apparent that the temple has been constructed unauthorizedly on encroached land in an eco-sensitive zone area. If that is so, no structure, religious or otherwise, can be permitted to stand and have to be necessarily removed. More so, the Yamuna River Floodplain has to be zealously protected from such encroachment and unauthorized constructions,” the bench added while dismissing the samiti’s appeal. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/yamuna-river-floodplain-zealously-protected-unauthorised-constructions-delhi-hc-9463774/  (19 July 2024)https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-high-court-orders-demolition-of-illegal-temple-on-yamuna-floodplain/articleshow/111872699.cms  (20 July 2024)

The court had said that Lord Shiva did not need anyone’s protection and would be happier if the Yamuna River bed and flood plains areas were cleared of all encroachments and unauthorised construction. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/no-unauthorised-structure-religious-or-otherwise-permitted-on-yamuna-floodplain-hc/cid/2034831  (19 July 2024)

Remove all encroachment on floodplain: HC to DDA Delhi High Court has directed Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to remove all encroachments and illegal constructions on the Yamuna, including those on the riverbed and on drains. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela appointed the DDA vice-chairperson as the nodal officer for coordinating with officials from Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Police, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), irrigation and flood control department, Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Pollution Control Board, and forest department to ensure the river is free from encroachments.

The court asked the vice-chairperson to convene a meeting of all officials concerned within a week while dealing with a petition seeking directions to demolish certain unauthorised constructions on the Yamuna riverbank near Shaheen Bagh. The plea also sought a direction for the authorities to take steps to prevent illegal constructions on the Yamuna riverbank and its floodplain in the near future.

On April 8, while dealing with a case it had initiated on its own over waterlogging in Delhi during the monsoon, HC had ordered the removal of encroachments from the Yamuna floodplain and sought a report from DDA on the development of biodiversity parks and wetlands there. HC had stressed that green development of the banks is necessary and directed the “rejuvenation” of the river by the removal of construction debris, asking DDA to take up the issue of “controlled and scientific dredging” on a war footing. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-high-court-directs-dda-to-remove-encroachments-on-yamuna-floodplain/articleshow/111671525.cms  (12 July 2024)

‘Effective steps not taken to demarcate floodplain’ The NGT has observed that effective steps have not yet been taken to demarcate Yamuna’s floodplain zone in accordance with the provisions of its 2016 order. The tribunal has asked Delhi govt and DDA to file a report with a timeline for the demarcation of the floodplains.  Last year, NGT took suo motu cognizance of a TOI report titled “Why flooding has forced DDA’s master plan rethink”. The original application raised the issue of the demarcation of the floodplain zone of the Yamuna within Delhi. A stretch of 22 km is in the urban area from Wazirabad to Okhla Barrage, and the full stretch of 56 km is from Palla to Jaitpur.

The tribunal observed that a status report on behalf of Delhi govt by the special secretary of the environment department stated that an exercise was undertaken to define the floodplains of the Yamuna in the stretch under consideration, taking into account the highest flood level to be once in 25 years. However, it also noted that in terms of clause 3 (l) of the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection, and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, the floodplain of the river Ganga or its tributaries is required to be defined corresponding to a flood frequency of once in 100 years. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/effective-steps-not-taken-to-demarcate-yamuna-floodplain/articleshow/111589274.cms  (09 July 2024)

Uttar Pradesh NGT takes cognisance of declining fish in Yamunn, threats to dolphin in Ganga In two separate suo motu cases, the NGT has taken cognizance of the threat to dolphins in Ganga river and the decrease in the Indian fish population coupled with an increase in the foreign fish population in Yamuna river. Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Dr A Senthil Vel observed that both issues indicated violations of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and the Environment Protection Act.

Accordingly, it issued notice to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), MoEFCC, CIFRI and the District Collector of Agra in the matter related to fish population in Yamuna, which will be heard further on Sep 20. In the matter related to threat to Gangetic dolphin, notice was issued to Wildlife Institute of India (WII), National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and CPCB, to be heard next on Sep 24. https://www.barandbench.com/news/ngt-takes-cognisance-declining-indian-fish-population-yamuna-threat-dolphins-ganga (9 Jul 2024)

NGT suggests measures to prevent throwing of offerings in Ganga Yamuna It said that according to the Ganga Rejuvenation Order of 2016, it was the responsibility of the District Ganga Committees to ensure that no person directly or indirectly discharged any pollutant into river Ganga or its tributaries or at their banks. “Hence, each of the District Magistrates as heads of the District Ganga Committees in respect of the districts abetting river Ganga and Yamuna, especially in respect of Garhmukteshwar, Kanpur, Bithur, Prayagraj and Varanasi on Ganga and Agra, Mathura and Prayagraj on river Yamuna is required to ensure that the earlier directions and guidelines to protect the rivers are compiled with,” the tribunal said.

It directed the district magistrates to mark spots, stretches and sites that were prone to throwing of worship material and immersion of offerings and idols, and carry out monthly monitoring of the spots by deploying ground-level staff.  It said each ghat could have a “distinct plan” regarding idol immersion, collection and processing of flowers, coconut and other offerings along with controlling and preventing direct or indirect disposal of offerings into the rivers from bridges, drains and other places. “Collection and composting arrangements for treating the organic waste such as flowers, fruits, leaves, food material etc. should be established at identified locations to prevent open decomposition along the ghats or river stretches,” the tribunal said.

The tribunal also asked them to organise awareness camps and take all possible steps to make the general people aware of pollution. “Mass awareness at the school level be encouraged about the impact of religious offerings on rivers and attempt be made to restrict religious offerings 100 m away from the edge of the river and along the bank to protect the river flood plain,” the tribunal said. It said the authorities concerned could identify suitable locations for developing a dedicated ghat for holding ceremonies, rituals and immersion of idols and offerings. “These ghats should have all arrangements for the said purposes. Routine monitoring should be undertaken to ensure that religious offerings are properly managed without hurting religious feelings and sentiments,” the tribunal said. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/07/18/lgd25-green-ganga-yamuna–pollution.html  (18 July 2024)

Himachal Pradesh HC: File action taken report on mining close to Asan wetland  A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Satyen Vaidya directed the state authorities to take action against those indulging in mining activities within the 10-km radius of the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve without obtaining permission from the Standing Committee of the NBWL or the MoEF&CC.

The court passed this order on a petition alleging that Himachal Pradesh had granted several mining licences in various areas close to the wetlands and national parks. More importantly, there appears to be an issue about the demarcation of the inter-state boundary between the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal, and it is being contended that some persons holding mining licences granted by the Himachal Govt are operating within the 10-km radius of the wetlands and the national park falls in Uttarakhand.

On the previous date of hearing, the report of the Survey of India was placed before the court, which mentioned that 43 mining leases and 26 stone crushers are operating inside the buffer zone of the Asan Conservation Reserve. The report also revealed the list of mining leases granted in Himachal from the inter-state boundary with Uttarakhand. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/himachal-pradesh-high-court-file-action-taken-report-on-mining-close-to-asan-wetland/   (06 Aug. 2024)

Haryana Will notify just 75 acres of Najafgarh jheel as wetland: Govt to NGT Haryana has submitted a plan to NGT, saying it will declare only a 75-acre area of the 5,288-acre Najafgarh jheel, which is on the Haryana-Delhi border, as a wetland. The decision comes in response to NGT’s directions on Feb 16 and April 25 this year, seeking a status report.

The state govt has also delineated a timeline for various projects aimed at channelling water away from the jheel, including augmenting the capacity of an agricultural canal from Najafgarh to Jhajjar – from 88 MLD to 550 MLD – and erecting a bundh on the banks of Najafgarh drain, and connecting Gurgaon master stormwater lines Leg 2 and Leg 3 to the drain. These projects are likely to be completed by March 31, 2027, govt said.

After considering INTACH’s plea, the tribunal stated, “The applicant’s counsel has been granted permission to file objections to the govt report and submit pertinent material within four weeks.” Next hearing on Oct 22.

During the course of the hearing, Haryana govt told NGT in 2017 that it would grant the lake wetland status soon and take measures to conserve it. The tribunal asked the govt to notify the wetland soon and submit a report. In another hearing in Dec 2022, NGT called for remedial measures to stop discharge of sewage into the Najafgarh drain, which feeds the eponymous lake and serves as the region’s stormwater channel into the Yamuna. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/will-notify-just-75-acres-of-najafgarh-jheel-as-wetland-haryana-tells-ngt/articleshow/112274207.cms  (05 Aug. 2024)

INTERLINKING OF YAMUNA RIVERS

Ken-Betwa Linking The PIB PR on 6th meeting of KBLP mentions many things including incomplete DPRs. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2034528&fbclid (19 Jul 2024)

मुआवजे का पेच फंसा केन-बेतवा लिंक परियोजना का विरोध होने लगा है. विस्थापित ग्रामीणों ने कम मुआवजा देने का आरोप लगाकार आंदोलन की चेतावनी दी है. साथ ही शासन व प्रशासन पर वादाखिलाफी का आरोप लगाया है. ग्रामीणों का कहना है कि वादा किया गया था कि पूरा मुआवजा देने के बाद ही खेती की जमीन ली जाएगी. लेकिन ऐसा नहीं हो रहा है. प्रशासन की वादाखिलाफी से ग्रामीण आक्रोशित हैं और आंदोलन की चेतावनी दे रहे हैं. ग्रामीणों का कहना है “ग्राम कूडन गहदरा में चौपाल लगाई गई थी. सभी के सामंजस्य से ये तय हुआ था कि जब तक जमीन, घर एवं खेत का मुआवजा नहीं मिल जाता जब तक खेती करने से नहीं रोका जाएगा. राजस्व भूमि ने जमीन को वन विभाग को दे दिया है. वन विभाग अपने अमले के साथ किसानों को खेती करने से रोक रहा है. नहीं रुकने पर कानूनी कार्रवाई की चेतावनी दे रहा है.” ट्रैक्टर एवं अन्य कृषि उपकरण को जब्त करने की धमकी दी जा रही है. इससे किसान नाराज हैं. https://www.etvbharat.com/hi/!state/ken-betwa-link-project-opposition-displaced-villagers-warned-agitation-alleging-less-compensation-mps24072201129  (22 July 2024)

पन्ना टाइगर रिजर्व के बाघों के जीवन में अमावस सी काली छाया बनेगी केन बेतवा नदी जोड़ो परियोजना। परियोजना के तहत टाइगर रिजर्व के कोर जोन में बनने वाले 77 मीटर ऊंचे और करीब दो किमी. लंबे बाध से टाइगर रिजर्व के कोर जोन का 60 वर्ग किमी क्षेत्र डूबेगा। अंतरराष्ट्रीय बाघ दिवस पर बाघों के जीवन पर आधारित खबर।

YAMUNA WATER SHARING DISPUTES

UYRB tenure ending; water sharing talks to start next year Bhim Singh Rawat of SANDRP said that over the years UYRB has become a totally opaque organisation with a non-functional website and inadequate staffing. Worse, minutes of its meetings are no longer made public.

Rawat said that there has been unscientific allocation of water among the states as well for the river, almost killing the river. “Rajasthan is added as a basin state for Yamuna even though it has no direct connection to the river. Only 10 cumecs (or the flow of 10,000 litres per second) of water has been left for the river as ecological flow and even the National Institute of Hydrology has established that is insufficient and the river should have at least 25 cumecs (flow of 25,000 litres per second) water.” The release of water needs an independent monitoring, he added.

Rawat said that the board is only functioning with five officers with a few other on deputation. “UYRB has become a formality and needs major overhaul,” he added. “Delhi is increasing its dependence on river. It should think of alternatives of treated water, ground water recharge strategies and other ways,” he said. “In this tussle between the states, someone will have to also look at the rights of the river Yamuna.” https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/tenure-of-watershed-deal-nears-end-yamuna-sharing-talks-to-start-next-year-101720116907160.html  (05 July 2024)

YAMUNA RIVERS

Delhi NGT slams agencies over choked Barapullah drain Noting that agencies were still “playing a blame game”, NGT, in its order dated August 2 uploaded on Sunday (Aug. 04), said that while an early segment of the drain was being dredged by the irrigation and flood control department, a portion of the drain, closer to the Yamuna was yet to be desilted by any agency and is likely causing waterlogging.

The Barapullah drain flooded large parts of south and central Delhi on June 28 — when over 200mm of rain was recorded in a single day and water began to backflow from the drain. Waterlogging complaints were received from areas like Jangpura, Lajpat Nagar, Nizamuddin and Chirag Delhi, among other locations around the drain, impacting traffic on the first monsoon rain of the season.

NGT said the I&FC department has said the stretch from A7 to B was yet to be handed over to them by the Delhi Development Authority. DDA, when asked, said, “desilting and dredging was not its responsibility”. “None of the authorities is in the position to state as to who or which authority is responsible for desilting of the stretch from A-7 to B. We find it strange that though the matter has been heard at length on the previous date on the issue of dredging of Barapullah drain…,” said the tribunal in its order, directing the chief secretary to immediately intervene. NGT will be hearing the matter next on August 6.

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) reported to NGT that the Sahibabad, Indirapuri, and Banthla drains — all supplementary drains of the Shahdara drain in Delhi — were not meeting requisite standards for Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD). The report said that samples collected showed three to four times the permissible limit of 30mg/l. UPPCB attributed the high BOD to “untreated domestic effluents” and initiated action against 13 industries along these drains. No civic agency in Delhi has made submissions in this regard, and the I&FC department did not comment on the matter. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/ngt-slams-agencies-over-choked-barapullah-drain-101722817653841.html  (05 Aug. 2024)

The story of Barapullah drain The nullah is clogged with sewage and construction waste, thanks to lack of desilting and treatment of sewage, making it capable of extensive damage even with a short spell of rainfall. Historically, the nullah was a tributary of the Yamuna River, receiving water from the ridge and other streams before flowing into the Yamuna. Author and historian Swapna Liddle said, “The name ‘Barapullah’ dates back to the era of Jahangir, when a bridge with twelve pillars was constructed over it, leading to its name (with ‘Barapullah’ translating to ‘twelve pillars’).”

For 23 years, the Nizamuddin Residents Welfare Association (RWA) has been fighting a legal battle for its upkeep, initially in the Supreme Court and before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for the past nine years. Despite the NGT’s efforts to appoint high-powered committees and issue directives, the authorities—chiefly the state government, DJB, and DDA—have brazenly flouted court orders, they said. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/from-yamuna-tributary-to-monsoon-bane-the-story-of-barapullah-drain-9445811/  (11 July 2024)

Dehradun City on the brink of disaster (Dr S Ganguli, Group Advisor – Education, Aditya Birla Group, Mumbai) The very fabric of the city is under threat! The land of trees and rivers is choking. The city which used to wake up to birds chirping now wakes up to vehicles honking. Rice fields have been turned into highways and pockets of Dehradun known for its quality Basmati rice have transformed into potential zones for property dealers.

Residents believe that unplanned and thoughtless development plans have claimed a lot of land. There is a general consensus that the situation worsened after Dehradun became the state capital and the government, driven by people with power, introduced economic policies that skyrocketed real estate prices. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/why-dehradun-is-on-the-brink-of-disaster-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/  (02 July 2024)

YAMUNA FLOODPLAIN

Delhi 400ha encroachments at floodplains cleared in 2 years: DDA to NGT Bhim Singh Rawat of SANDRP said though removing such encroachments was a welcome move, DDA was still overlooking other obvious encroachments on the floodplains. “We have recently seen a casting yard come up along the floodplains at Sarai Kale Khan. Similarly, despite directions to restore the floodplain land of the Millenium bus depot, as per Delhi high court and Supreme Court orders, little work has been done there. It is easy to remove farmers from the floodplains, but DDA needs to ensure other encroachments, particularly dumping of waste and debris, along the floodplains is stopped,” said Rawat. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/400ha-encroachments-at-floodplains-cleared-in-2-years-dda-to-ngt-101721067758563.html  (16 July 2024)

Noida यमुना और हिंडन नदी के आसपास की जमीनों की हो सकेगी खरीद-फरोख्‍त नोएडा प्रशासन ने यमुना और हिंडन नदियों के डूब क्षेत्र में आने वाली कृषि भूमि के पंजीकरण की प्रक्रिया फिर से शुरू कर दी है. साल 2020 से ही जमीन की रजिस्‍ट्री कराने पर रोक लगी हुई थी. नोएडा प्राधिकरण और सिंचाई विभाग द्वारा डूब क्षेत्र में बने अवैध फार्महाउस और निर्माण के खिलाफ कार्रवाई के बाद पिछले चार सालों से बड़े पैमाने पर जमीनों रजिस्‍ट्री नहीं हो रही थी. अब उत्‍तर प्रदेश सरकार ने निर्देश दिया है कि यदि दस्तावेज सही हैं तो सभी आवश्यक स्वीकृतियां एक महीने के भीतर पूरी करके जमीनों की रजिस्‍ट्री की जाए.

कृषि भूमि के मालिक एक पोर्टल के माध्यम से जरूरी स्‍वीकृतियों के लिए आवेदन कर सकते हैं. आवेदनों की समीक्षा अतिरिक्त डीएम (वित्त और राजस्व) के नेतृत्व वाली एक टीम करेगी. इन आवेदनों पर एक महीने में निर्णय लेना होगा. पिछले कुछ दिनों में प्रशासन को पांच आवेदन मिल चुके हैं. गौरतलब है कि साल 2020 में, आपदा प्रबंधन समिति ने एक आदेश जारी किया, जिसमें आवेदकों को बाढ़ वाले क्षेत्रों में संपत्तियों की बिक्री और खरीद के लिए नोएडा प्राधिकरण और सिंचाई विभाग से अनापत्ति प्रमाण पत्र (NOC) प्राप्त करना अनिवार्य कर दिया गया. https://hindi.news18.com/news/business/property-noida-resumes-agricultural-land-registration-in-yamuna-and-hindon-floodplains-8553546.html  (06 Aug. 2024)

YAMUNA FLOODS

Delhi A year after historic floods, where is River Governance? Despite multiple NGT orders, the DDA so far has neither mapped nor demarcated the Yamuna floodplain. Moreover, DDA has been proposing changes in the O Zone status to regularize unauthorized colonies in the floodplain. Even after High Court order the DDA has not removed construction waste dotting riverscape in Delhi.

In Feb. 2024, the Parliamentary Committee report has recommended the DDA and concerned agencies to prepare guidelines and rules regarding dumping of construction and other waste in the Yamuna. It has also asked to establish common portal to furnish and update data on sand mining, floodplain/wetland encroachment and dumping of waste into the river. However there has been no progress in this regard. https://sandrp.in/2024/07/04/yamuna-manthan-040724-a-year-after-historic-floods-where-is-river-governance/  (04 July 2024)

A year of 2023 floods Activists, meanwhile, say it is important that the Yamuna and its floodplains get protection.

“People may ask for embankments, but it is the floodplains that need protection first. The more floodplains get occupied, the greater the chances of floods impacting settlements. Over time, due to constructions and encroachments, the path of the river has become narrow and when it floods, it reclaims its original path, where these settlements have come up,” said Bhim Singh Rawat of SANDRP. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/a-year-on-memories-of-2023-floods-linger-101720807666995.html  (14 July 2024)

साउथ एशिया नेटवर्क ऑन डेम्स रिवर्स एंड पीपल्स (SANDRP) के भीम सिंह रावत का कहना है कि दिल्ली में जुलाई 2023 और अगस्त 2019 में आई बाढ़, हिमाचल में यमुना के कैचमेंट में भारी बारिश का नतीजा था.भीम सिंह रावत का दावा है कि बीते साल बाढ़ के बाद यमुना पर काम ना के बराबर हुआ है. भीम सिंह रावत ने बताया कि जुलाई 2023 की बाढ़ से काफी लोग प्रभावित हुए, लेकिन साल भर बाद भी बाढ़ की वजह का खुलासा नही हुआ है. फरवरी 2024 में कमिटी रिपोर्ट में भी बाढ़ आने के लिए वजीराबाद बैराज को जिम्मेदार ठहराया गया था, लेकिन इस रिपोर्ट में बाढ़ की वजह का जिक्र नहीं है.  https://www.aajtak.in/india/delhi/story/imd-issued-flood-alert-in-delhi-due-to-heavy-rainfall-in-uttarakhand-and-himachal-pradesh-sslbs-1981323-2024-07-09  (09 July 2024)

मानसूनी बारिश से यमुना के बढ़ते जलस्तर के बीच अभी भी दिल्ली में इसका बाढ़ क्षेत्र अवरोध मुक्त नहीं है। नदी के प्रवाह में बाधाएं कई जगहों पर हैं। सबसे ज्यादा दिक्कत यमुना पर निर्माणाधीन पुलों के पास है। बारापुला एक्सटेंशन व आरआरटीएस के निर्माण क्षेत्र के आस पास मिट्टी और निर्माण सामग्री के ऊंचे-ऊंचे टीले लगे हुए हैं। ऐसे ही दिल्ली मुंबई एक्सप्रेस-वे के निर्माण स्थल पर भारी मात्रा में निर्माण सामग्री और विध्वंसक मलबा पड़ा है। https://www.amarujala.com/delhi-ncr/three-deadlocks-of-yamuna-path-in-delhi-barapullah-extension-rrts-and-delhi-mumbai-expressway-2024-07-07  (07 July 2024)

Submerged basements at Games Village This Aug 05, 2023 ToI report reveals CWG Village built on Yamuna floodplain in 2010 suffered severe water logging problems during monsoon last year. There is information of basement of the building getting water logged in last week of June 2024 following heavy rainfall. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/submerged-basements-give-that-sinking-feeling-at-games-village/articleshowprint/102440755.cms  (05 July 2024)

Noida Residents remember 2023 floods The flood displaced around 3,700 people from 18 villages and damaged nearly 1,590 ha land along the Hindon and Yamuna floodplains. A year later, villagers still remember how the floodwaters caught them unawares around midnight and destroyed almost all their possessions. But with scant rainfall in their catchment areas since the onset of monsoon this year, the two rivers look little more than a stream now. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/year-after-monsoon-floods-villagers-in-noida-still-fear-recurrence/articleshow/111721403.cms  (13 July 2024)

Floods in lower segment of Yamuna: Prayagraj मध्य प्रदेश राजस्थान और बुंदेलखंड में अच्छी वर्षा के चलते प्रयागराज में भी यमुना का जल स्तर तेजी से बढ़ रहा है। यह बढ़त पिछले तीन दिनों से चल रही है मगर सोमवार शाम से जल स्तर बढ़ने की गति बढ़ गई। सोमवार रात आठ बजे से 12 घंटे में ही यमुना का जल स्तर 92 सेमी बढ़ गया। https://www.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/prayagraj-big-hanuman-ji-of-sangam-took-a-maha-sannan-due-to-flood-in-prayagraj-23773492.html (7 Aug 2024)

हमीरपुर: यमुना और बेतवा नदियों में लाखों क्यूसेक पानी डैमों से छोड़े जाने से यहां दर्जनों तटवर्ती गांवों में बाढ़ का खतरा मंडरा रहा है। नदियों का जलस्तर तेजी से बढ़ने से निचली इलाकों के लोग टेंशन में आ गए है। प्रशासन के निर्देश पर अब बाढ़ चौकियों को अलर्ट कर दिया गया है। हमीरपुर तहसील क्षेत्र में बेतवा नदी की बाढ़ की जद में 59 गांव आते है। वहीं मौदहा क्षेत्र में तीन, सरीला क्षेत्र में 24 गांव हर साल बाढ़ की चपेट में आते हैं। यमुना नदी की उफान में हमीरपुर तहसील क्षेत्र में ही 20 गांव बाढ़ की जद में हैं।

दोनों नदियों के अलावा अन्य स्थानीय नदियों की बाढ़ से भी 150 से ज्यादा गांव प्रभावित होते हैं। पिछले कई दिनों से मध्यप्रदेश और दिल्ली समेत अन्य राज्यों में लगातार हो रही बारिश के कारण अब बुंदेलखंड का माताटीला डैम लबालब हो गया है। डैम से लाखों क्यूसेक पानी छोड़ा गया है। इसका असर अब हमीरपुर जिले में दिखने लगा है। https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/uttar-pradesh/hamirpur/yamuna-and-betwa-river-flood-threat-million-cusecs-water-released-from-dams-hamirpur-news/articleshow/112296149.cms  (05 Aug. 2024)

यमुना नदी में सहायक नदी चंबल स्थिति बांध से चार लाख क्यूसेक पानी छोड़ा गया गया है। यह नदी भी प्रति घंटा 100 सेंमी बढ़ रही है। मंगलवार की शाम तीन बजे यमुना 99.300 मीटर और बेतवा 100.460 पर बह रही है। जबकि यमुना के खतरे का निशान 103.63 मीटर व बेतवा नदी का 104.54 मीटर है। पारा कंडौर मार्ग का रपटा डूब जाने से दोनों गांव के ग्रामीणों को आवागमन करने के लिए चार km अतिरिक्त चक्कर लगाना पड़ रहा है।  https://www.amritvichar.com/article/484627/hamirpur-news-rapidly-rising-water-level-of-betwa-and-yamuna  (06 Aug. 2024)

YAMUNA POLLUTION

HLC tweaks timelines for STP projects A high-level committee (HLC) constituted by NGT in Jan 2023 for rejuvenation of the Yamuna, which recently met after a gap of five months, has extended the proposed timelines for many action points, including construction of three new sewage treatment plants, upgradation of 18 existing STPs, desilting of sewer lines and tapping of drains. The committee, which reviewed the progress in the implementation of several action points on July 23, revised the proposed timelines in comparison to the timelines mentioned in the previous meeting held on Feb 20, shows the latest report of the committee.

Of the three new STPs to be constructed at Okhla, Sonia Vihar and Delhi Gate, the Okhla project is the biggest. The project was initially supposed to be commissioned by June 2023, then March 2024, and the new proposed timeline is Sept 2024. Besides, the construction work for Delhi Gate STP is yet to start, as a mobile tower on the land has to be removed. DDA allotted land for the project, but it is yet to be handed over to DJB.

Of the 18 STPs that were identified for upgradation, which will lead to a capacity addition of 107.5 MGD, the new proposed timeline is Dec 2025. Earlier, the deadline was Dec 2024. However, of the 18, nine STPs with a capacity of 65 MGD are targeted to be completed by Sep 2024. DJB officials said that financial crunch & construction bans delayed the completion of STP projects. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/high-level-committee-tweaks-timelines-for-yamuna-projects-in-delhi/articleshow/112253673.cms (4 Aug. 2024)

HLC yet to meet after Feb When the NGT constituted the high-level committee (HLC) on the Yamuna to oversee its cleaning, it suggested the committee meet once a week for at least six months “to achieve tangible results”. LG VK Saxena had been appointed head of HLC and promised a visibly cleaner river by June 2023. But he was removed last June by the Supreme Court on Delhi govt’s request and the panel is now headed by the chief secretary. HLC has held nine meetings, but so far this year, only two in Jan and on Feb 20.  It isn’t very surprising then that the initial improvement in the condition of the river has begun to deteriorate as HLC’s enthusiasm has waned. Officials, however, insisted that various govt departments are holding their own meetings regularly and that HLC will meet soon. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/yamuna-panel-failures-lead-to-deterioration-of-river-condition/articleshow/111793023.cms  (17 July 2024)

Choked Yamuna fuels vector disease worries The 2-3km stretch of the Yamuna along the Okhla barrage in southeast Delhi is currently covered with a thick layer of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). This water weed is not only deteriorating the already sub-standard water quality of the river, but also acts as a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, which may lead to a rise in vector-borne diseases, senior MCD officials said. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/choked-yamuna-fuels-vector-disease-worries-in-delhi-101722190547616.html  (29 July 2024)

Your jeans may be adding ‘toxicity’ into river Bhim Singh Rawat of SANDRP pointed out that while the Yamuna can dilute organic pollutants like sewage and flowers depending on the flow, the inorganic pollutants like dyeing chemicals impact the cleansing ability of the river. “They severely affect the health of the river and damage the aquatic ecosystem,” said Rawat. “Since such units release effluents that are rich in phosphate, this also results in froth formation in the river.”

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/impact-of-illegal-dyeing-units-on-yamuna-river-ecosystem/articleshowprint/112071766.cms  (28 July 2024)

Delhi govt seeks Centre intervention Taking note of froth in the heavily polluted Yamuna river in Delhi, the AAP govt on July 26 asked the Centre to instruct Haryana and UP to ensure industries there do not release untreated residue in the river. The government is concerned about the sudden rise in pollution level in Yamuna and has put in “urgent measures” to control the situation, ruling AAP said in a statement. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/delhi-goes-to-centre-seeks-instructions-to-haryana-up-over-yamuna-froth-6196981  (26 July 2024)

Slow progress of ISP Planned nearly three decades ago, the interceptor sewers project (ISP) to cut off the sewage flowing into the Yamuna and treat it before it entered the river and seen to be more feasible than building STPs on the drains carrying sewage to the river, the project is yet to become fully operational due to problems such as lack of coordination among agencies, difficulty in obtaining approvals and slow project execution. Delhi govt has spent an estimated Rs 2,454 crore in implementing the project in six packages, including the cost of operation and maintenance of the interceptors for 10 years.

“Cleaning of the Yamuna has now become a business for govt agencies. Project after project is announced, but old ones are lying incomplete,” alleged SA Naqvi, convener of NGO Citizens for Water Democracy. “The problem with the interceptor project is that while DJB has laid the sewer lines, the upgradation of STPs to treat the increased sewage began much later. So, whatever is being intercepted is still ending up back in the drains and eventually the river. No one has been held responsible for this mismanagement.”  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhis-interceptor-sewers-project-a-3-decade-wait-to-clean-yamuna-river/articleshow/111893362.cms  (21 July 2024)

Govt mulls penalising STP engineers for pollution The capital missed the December 2023 deadline to treat all the sewage generated to the prescribed standards. The DJB received a six-month extension but failed to meet the goal, according to monthly progress reports on the Yamuna river’s rejuvenation sent to the Jal Shakti Ministry.

In March 2024, Delhi set a target to increase its sewage treatment capacity to 814 MGD, but this too was not achieved. Now, the DJB aims to reach a sewage treatment capacity of 922 MGD by Dec 2024 and 964.5 MGD by Mar 2025, as per the latest monthly progress report submitted to the Jal Shakti Ministry.

Any further delays could make it very difficult for the govt to fulfil its promise of cleaning the Yamuna to bathing standards by Feb 2025. “It is almost certain that the 2025 deadline will also be missed, given the abysmal pace of rehabilitation and upgradation of the existing STPs to meet the standards and the construction of new ones,” a former DJB official told PTI.

Delhi generates 792 MGD. The 37 STPs in the capital have a combined capacity of 667 MGD. Currently, these STPs utilise only 71% of their installed capacity, treating 565 MGD of the 792 MGD of sewage, with the rest flowing untreated into the Yamuna river. Only 10 STPs, with a combined capacity of 185 MGD, meet the prescribed standards. https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/delhi-govt-mulls-penalising-sewage-treatment-plant-engineers-for-pollution-in-yamuna-19444195.htm  (16 July 2024)

Rise in pollution level Heavy rainfall over the past week has led to a spike in ammonia levels of the Yamuna over the past three days. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/yamuna-ammonia-level-spikes-as-water-flows-in-from-upstream-states-delhi-blames-haryana-101720372314370.html  (07 July 2024)

No good news for river  Bhim Singh Rawat of SANDRP, said, “An analysis of the water quality status of the Yamuna compared with last year shows that the river has become a monsoonal river. When the upper catchment of the river receives rain and gets flow, the water quality shows improvement. When there is no rain, the Yamuna remains heavily polluted. There is no control, treatment or pollution abatement in the river.” Another activist, Diwan Singh, said, “The levels of pollutants increase after the Yamuna enters Delhi. The river has also been deprived of its freshwater flow. It continues to be a sewage canal.” The city was prioritised rather than the river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/yamuna-river-pollution-report/articleshow/111524494.cms  (06 July 2024)

Pollution worsens 42 times “The Yamuna has turned into a drain that is now solely dependent on water flow. Any improvement recorded is solely down to an increased flow of water and not because of the action by the government,” said Bhim Singh Rawat of SANDRP. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/pollution-in-yamuna-worsens-42-times-when-crossing-delhi-101720205966012.html  (6 July 2024)

No data on river pollution No data on Yamuna water quality has been available since February, raising concerns about river pollution levels and impact on aquatic life. The report quotes BS Rawat of SANDRP saying that absence of data means it is not possible to tell if the state of Yamuna has worsened or improved. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/how-polluted-is-the-yamuna-no-data-to-tell-101720119488142.html  (05 July 2024)

No desilting done in recent years In response to an RTI query, Delhi govt responded that the Yamuna has not been dredged in recent years. However, the state govt’s reply claimed that ‘maintenance work’ was carried out on specific sections of the river. This report does not clarify when the last dredging was done, if at all and what does maintenance of river mean.

IFC defended itself by saying that it does not carry out any desilting, but undertakes other measures to ensure proper flow of the river. A departmental official said, “Dredging and desilting is a scientific process and takes place after studying and analysing the course of the river. Aggregation and degradation keep on happening in a river. What we did instead was pilot cutting at five locations – downstream of Wazirabad, at Vasudev Ghat, upstream of the Old Railway Bridge and at Geeta Colony bridge and ITO. In pilot cutting, mounds and islands in the river hindering the stream or channel are removed. This increases the carrying capacity of the river.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/no-yamuna-desilting-done-in-recent-years/articleshowprint/111501195.cms  (05 July 2024)

ED raids multiple cities over money laundering allegations The Enforcement Directorate on Jul 3 conducted searches in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Hyderabad in connection with alleged corruption in the award of Rs 1,943 crore worth of works for 10 sewage treatment plants of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) at Pappankalan, Nilothi, Najafgarh, Keshopur, Coronation Pillar, Narela, Rohini and Kondli.

The anti-money laundering agency is probing alleged cartelisation in the award of the tenders and suspected bribery to public servants, including ministers and bureaucrats. According to the case file, three joint venture companies participated in the four STP tenders mutually to ensure that each one got the tender.

During the search operations, the agency seized unaccounted cash of Rs 41 lakh, various incriminating documents and digital evidence. All the three JV companies that were awarded the contract by the DJB submitted the same experience certificate issued from a Taiwan Project. The DJB accepted them without any verifications, ED said. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/delhi-jal-board-corruption-case-ed-raids-multiple-cities-over-money-laundering-allegations/articleshowprint/111507112.cms (5 Jul 2024)

₹41L recovered during raids on DJB: ED It has also been alleged that the tendering conditions were made restrictive, including the adoption of Integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) technology to ensure that a select few entities could participate in the 4 bids.

“The cost estimates initially prepared was ₹1,546 crore but was revised during the tender process to ₹1,943 crore. It is further alleged that the contracts were awarded to the three JVs at inflated rates which caused a substantive loss to the exchequer,” ED added. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/41l-recovered-during-raids-on-stp-projects-of-djb-ed-101720205724141.html  (06 July 2024)

Greater Noida UPPCB wants STPs along Hindon, Yamuna The state pollution board has written to the Greater Noida Authority to build STPs along the Dasna and Hawaliya drains, which empty untreated water into the Hindon and Yamuna. While the Dasna drain flows from Ghaziabad and Hapur before emptying into the Hindon in Greater Noida, the Hawaliya drain comes from the Surajpur wetland.

UPPCB regional officer (Greater Noida) DK Gupta said the Greater Noida Authority has agreed to install a 100 MLD STP along the Hawaliya drain near Momnathal village where the drain meets the Hindon. “Another 45 MLD STP will also be installed on the Bisrakh drain, which also empties untreated wastewater into the river. Tenders have been called for both the plants,” he said. The official added the board has also written to the Ghaziabad and Hapur administrations as nearly 80% of the 200 MLD of water that Dasna drain empties into the Hindon every day comes from the two districts. The STP on the drain will be built jointly by the Greater Noida Authority, Ghaziabad and Hapur administrations, he said. It is likely to come up near Gaur City in Greater Noida West where the drain joins the river. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/drains-polluting-hindon-yamuna-state-board-wants-stps-along-them/articleshow/111545379.cms  (07 July 2024)

मुजफ्फरनगर:- यूपीपीसीबी ने हिंडन नदी को प्रदूषित करने वाली पश्चिम यूपी की 55 और जिले की नौ फैक्टरियों पर शिकंजा कसा है। प्रदूषण फैला रहे उद्योगों के खिलाफ लखनऊ के स्पेशल ज्यूडिशियल मजिस्ट्रेट कोर्ट में वाद दायर किया गया है। क्षेत्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण अधिकारी अंकित सिंह ने बताया कि संबंधित इकाइयों ने नियमों का उल्लंघन किया है।

प्रदूषण फैलाने के मामले में एनजीटी में सुनवाई चल रही है। जिन उद्योगों पर वाद दायर कराया गया है, उनमें चौधरी क्रिएशंस शेरनगर, एडब्ल्यूएफ कलेक्शन शेरनगर, भोपा रोड की सिल्वरटेन पेपर मिल, बिंदलास पेपर मिल, अल्पना पेपर मिल, सिल्वर टेन पेपर, जीनियर पेपर, जानसठ रोड स्थित गुलशन फैक्टरी, त्रिवेणी इंजीनियरिंग शामिल है। इन उद्योगों से बिना शोधित किए गंदे पानी को हिंडन नदी में प्रवाहित किया जा रहा था। नगर निकाय और उद्योग अपने यहां का गंदा पानी उचित ढंग से बिना शोधित किए हिंडन नदी में छोड़ रहे हैं। क्षेत्रीय प्रदूषण नियंत्रण अधिकारी अंकित सिंह ने बताया कि उद्योगों को नोटिस जारी किए गए थे। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/muzaffarnagar/lawsuit-against-55-industries-of-western-up-polluting-hindon-muzaffarnagar-news-c-29-1-mng1001-126020-2024-07-13  (13 July 2024)

30 साल पहले तक हरनंदी यानी हिंडन नदी संयुक्त गाजियाबाद की पहचान होती थी, लेकिन गौतमबुद्ध नगर का गठन होने और यहां औद्योगीकरण की दौड़ शुरू होने के बाद इस नदी की दशा दिन प्रतिदिन खराब होती चली गई. आज स्थिति यहां तक आ गई है कि यह नदी नाले से भी बदतर हालत में पहुंच गई है https://www.tv9hindi.com/state/uttar-pradesh/ghaziabad-noida-harnandi-river-hindon-chief-secretary-reprimanded-for-the-condition-in-supreme-court-stwsk-2767231.html  (07 Aug. 2024)

MINING IN YAMUNA RIVERS

Himachal Pradesh Relevant decisions of FAC meeting Proposal for non-forestry use of 6.2255 ha. of forest land for extraction of Sand, Stone and Bajri from Yamuna River, in the jurisdiction of Paonta Sahib Forest Div, District Sirmour: More Info Sought. https://forestsclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/FAC_Minutes/71122121412171MoMParivesh10.pdf (4 July 2024)

Haryana Farmers worried over flood threat due to illegal mining Farmers living in areas along the Yamuna are worried over the possibility of flood due to extensive mining activities. They allege that despite repeated complaints, mining continues unabated along the river, posing risks to their crops, homes and livelihoods as in previous years.

With the monsoon approaching, farmers in Chandrao, Chaugama, Garhpur, Kalsora, Japti Chapra, Samaspur and surrounding villages are worried that the ongoing mining along the river may weaken the embankment, aggravating the risk of floods in their villages. The farmers alleged that last year during monsoon major breaches at some areas had submerged crops and residential areas, causing huge losses. One of the farmers alleged that mining vehicles commute rashly, damaging roads and causing accidents and the authorities should take steps to curb the problem. “Large-scale mining along the Yamuna should be stopped to save our villages from flooding,” he said.

Another farmer said illegal mining, over 10-foot deep along the river, is making the area prone to floods. Mining officer Kamlesh Rani said their team inspected the site and found the excavated sand, which was confiscated. “The investigation is going on to determine the persons involved. Since the sand was dumped on the panchayat land, we will issue a notice to the sarpanch and determine who was involved,” she added. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/farmers-worried-over-flood-threat-due-to-illegal-mining-along-yamuna-636802  (05 July 2024)

यमुना में नहाते समय दो भाई और मामा डूबे अमावस्या (Aug. 04) पर यमुना नदी में स्नान करने आए दो सगे भाई व उनका पारिवारिक मामा गहरे पानी में डूब गए। उनके साथियों के शोर मचाने पर प्राइवेट गोताखोरों ने यमुना में उनकी तलाश की। बाद में पीएसी के गोताखोरों ने भी मोटर बोट के सहारे सर्च अभियान चलाया, लेकिन शाम तक कोई सफलता नहीं मिली। राजस्थान के जनपद सीकर के गांव बाय खाटू श्याम निवासी 25 वर्षीय महेश व उसका सगा भाई 20 वर्षीय बोधू अपने पारिवारिक मामा 35 वर्षीय लोकेश निवासी मोहल्ला बलई सिकरपुर, हरियाणा के पानीपत में थाना चांदनी बाग क्षेत्र के गांव रिसालू में किराये के मकान में रहते हैं। तीनों पानीपत में पत्थर लगाने की मजदूरी का काम करते हैं।

यमुना नदी पर पक्का घाट नहीं होने और रेत खनन के कारण गहरे गड्ढे हो जाने और गड्ढों के ऊपर पानी होने पर स्नान करने वाले को अंदाजा नहीं होता। इसके चलते यमुना में लोग अपनी जिंदगी से हाथ धो रहे हैं। कांवड़ यात्रा के दौरान भी अलग-अलग समय में करीब 15 कावड़िये यमुना में डूबे, लेकिन गनीमत रही कि सभी को गोताखोरों ने समय रहते बाहर निकाल लिया था। करीब एक माह पहले पानीपत निवासी प्रिंस और विकास की यमुना में डूबने से मौत हो गई थी जबकि उसके साथी शिवा को गोताखोरों ने समय रहते बचा लिया था। आठ मई को पानीपत निवासी निशांत की यमुना में डूबने से मौत हो गई थी। 13 अक्तूबर 2023 को भी हैदरपुर जमात में आए दो किशोर समीर और सैफ अली निवासी जालपाड़ की यमुना में डूबने से मौत हो गई थी। इसके अलावा भी यमुना में दर्जन युवक अपनी जान गंवा चुके हैं। https://www.amarujala.com/uttar-pradesh/shamli/two-brothers-and-their-maternal-uncle-drowned-while-bathing-in-yamuna-in-shamli-2024-08-04  (04 Aug. 2024) https://m.haryana.punjabkesari.in/haryana/news/case-of-3-devotees-who-drowned-in-yamuna-river-in-panipat-2-bodies-found-2015794  (05 Aug. 2024) https://royalbulletin.in/three-youths-from-rajasthan-immersed-in-the-deep-pool-of-yamuna-in-kairana/210246  (05 Aug. 2024)

YAMUNA WETLANDS, LAKES, WATER BODIES

Haryana Why can’t the Najafgarh Jheel be restored? The fate of the Najafgarh Jheel, a lake that once spanned 220 sqkm on the Delhi-Haryana border and is still home to thousands of wetland birds, and the Aravallis Hills,  one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges that are described as the ‘green lungs’ of the National Capital Region (NCR), will be sealed on July 30 and 31, 2024, respectively. Both these ecosystems are vital for people living in the National Capital Region. They play a crucial role in rejuvenating the area’s rapidly declining and heavily extracted groundwater resources. On these dates, the NGT and the Supreme Court will hear cases about these two ecosystems. https://thewire.in/environment/najafgarh-jheel-aravalli-hills-gurgaon-ncr  (11 July 2024)

YAMUNA URBAN WATER

Delhi Water supply remains affected for fifth day 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/water-supply-remains-affected-for-fifth-day-running-in-delhi-101722190486924.html  (29 July 2024)

Water crisis is back as ammonia level rises https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/water-crisis-in-delhi-due-to-ammonia-and-raw-water-shortage/articleshow/112052898.cms  (27 July 2024)

Greater Noida 1% of project cost to be imposed as fine on builders extracting GW: CGWA The Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) has told the NGT that 1% of the total project cost will be imposed as ‘environmental compensation’ on developers engaged in illegal groundwater extraction in Greater Noida West. The NGT is currently hearing a petition by resident Pradeep Dahaliya in 2022 alleging that builders were engaged in indiscriminate groundwater extraction for construction purposes since a long time.

33 group housing societies were found to be allegedly extracting groundwater illegally in 2023 in Greater Noida West. An environmental compensation of ₹306 crore was also levied by the committee on the errant developers. The departments, however, failed to provide the quantum or period of groundwater extraction by builders. Next hearing on Oct 15, 2024. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/1-of-project-cost-to-be-imposed-as-fine-on-builders-extracting-groundwater-ngt-told-101721155597763.html  (17 July 2024)

Checks for GW level must for basement digging now The district administration has directed the three industrial authorities — Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna —to check the groundwater level for each land parcel before giving approval for digging basements to developers. The height of basements for each project will be determined on the basis of the groundwater study report, a letter issued by the administration said. If permission for a basement was issued in the past, but work was yet to start, then the development authority concerned will have to undertake a groundwater level study and make changes in the approval plan accordingly, it stated.

The letter comes after the groundwater department imposed on Tuesday (July 16) a cumulative penalty of Rs 35 lakh on six builders —Uniexcel Developers, Montree Attire, Jam Vision Tech, King Pace Information, Vextec Condominium and Motherson Sumi Infotech & Design Ltd — for illegally dewatering plots, allotted by the Noida Authority in sectors 153, 154 and 129, using pumps. De-watering has been noted in several projects across the district. It means water, oozing out of the ground during digging for basements, is bailed out using mechanised pumps. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/noida/new-regulations-for-basement-digging-in-noida-require-groundwater-level-checks/articleshowprint/111846940.cms  (19 July 2024)

Noida 6 developers fined ₹5 lakh each for illegal GW use The Groundwater department has fined six major developers ₹5 lakh each for allegedly engaging in the illegal extraction of groundwater for construction in areas under the ambit of Noida authority, officials said on Jul 10.  The Noida authority filed a complaint against the developers for extracting groundwater and a case was registered under the Uttar Pradesh Groundwater (Management and Regulation) Act, 2019, said officials. The sites where developers were identified to be extracting groundwater illegally are located in sectors 153, 154 and 156.

Local environment activists, however, are said that merely imposing a penalty of ₹5 lakh will not deter the rampant extraction of groundwater. “Just imposing penalties will not serve as a deterrent. The Noida authority has the right to cancel allocations of builders who continue to exploit groundwater. The authority must file a petition against the erring builders if they do not stop dewatering activities. A high-level committee involving all stakeholders and environment activists should be convened, in the presence of CEO and DM, to address the issue,” said VIkrant Tongad. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/noida-six-developers-fined-5-lakh-each-for-illegal-groundwater-use-101720636109264.html (11 Jul 2024)

Gurugram MCG forms 10 teams to clear blocked RWH pits The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has formed 10 dedicated teams to check and clear blocked rainwater harvesting pits across the city to address water scarcity and improve urban sanitation, officials said on Jul 14, adding that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to conserve water and enhance waste management efficiency. On Jul 13, MCG Commissioner Dr Narhari Singh Bangar inaugurated a rainwater harvesting project at a park in Rosewood City in Sector 49. The project, a collaboration between a company, MCG, and the Grand Mansion Resident Welfare Association (GMRWA), aims to conserve 60 million litres of water annually. It will involve the construction of at least five or six mega pits designed for effective water conservation. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/mcg-forms-10-teams-to-clear-blocked-rainwater-harvesting-pits-in-gurugram-101720979779632.html (15 Jul 2024)

URBAN FLOODS

Delhi Claims of preparedness bite dust Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP said, “In Delhi, on June 28, 228 mm of rainfall occurred in one location – Safdarjung observatory, while in other parts of Delhi, it was below 200 mm, with some areas experiencing rainfall in single digits also. The overall average rainfall in Delhi was 139 mm. “Some locations broke rainfall records, but not the entire city. Across India, there is a deficit in rainfall, although some areas have recorded high rainfall. Climate change is a significant factor contributing to changes in the monsoon, increasing the frequency and intensity of high-intensity events,” he added. “This shift is influenced by climate change which leads to change in the pressure at some areas and wind patterns. The forecast indicates that rainfall will increase in August and September due to the La Niña weather pattern, which is expected to intensify rainfall in the city,” Thakkar added. https://thepatriot.in/reports/delhi-rains-claims-of-preparedness-bite-dust-capital-drowned-in-torrential-rain-52604  (05 July 2024)

Waterlogging woes continue as Delhi relies on 1976 master plan. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/waterlogging-woes-continue-as-delhi-relies-on-1976-master-plan/article68457371.ece  (29 July 2024)

Delhi’s flood-like situation was because of heavy rains. But questions were also raised on the city’s drainage system. So how does the Delhi drainage system work? Is it efficient to handle heavy rain? https://www.newslaundry.com/2024/07/16/delhi-drowns-in-rain-is-its-four-decade-old-drainage-system-to-blame  (16 July 2024)

IIT lab flooded This raises questions not only at the institute’s administration and management but also at the Ministry of Education. How can an IIT be architecturally incompetent at handling rainwater? How can an institute that creates problem-solvers and innovators not have a solution to the problem of waterlogging? Not only was the incident unfortunate, but the aftermath was equally distressing. The institute is not properly handling the lab’s biomedical waste. Rather than calling for an expert team to clear the waste, the administration chose to risk the lives of untrained sanitation workers to clear the mess. https://www.thequint.com/my-report/iit-delhi-lab-flooded-in-rain-biomedical-lab-destroyed (4 Jul 2024)

Bawana flooded after Yamuna canal breach A breach in the Munak canal, which channels water from Haryana to Delhi, led to severe waterlogging in north-west Delhi’s Bawana, leaving residents stranded in their homes. Early July 11, water from the canal’s barrage inundated the J, K, and L blocks of the colony, forcing residents to wade through waist-deep water. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2024/Jul/12/bawana-flooded-after-yamuna-canal-breach  (12 July 2024) Ground report by News Laundry on flood in Bawana due to breach in Munak canal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wihhXTGJL2A (12 Jul 2024)

3 students drown in flooded basement at IAS coaching centre In a major mishap at Rau’s IAS coaching centre in central Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar, three students drowned after rainwater accumulated on the road flooded the library in the basement on Jul 27 evening. Two of the dead were girls, the third was a male student. There were 30 students in all at the coaching centre. Twenty-seven either escaped or were rescued but the three got trapped. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/3-students-drown-in-flooded-basement-at-delhi-ias-coaching-centre/articleshowprint/112072808.cms  (28 July 2024) Student had flagged basement coaching centre risk month before deaths. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-coaching-centre-flooding-ias-mcd-civic-body-students-died-safety-measures-2573122-2024-07-29  (29 July 2024)

Gurugram GMDA finds logs, walls in stormwater drains Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) said it found wooden logs, construction debris and remnants of walls in stormwater drains it cleaned over the past week, citing the same as reason for waterlogging in residential colonies of Palam Vihar during the intense spell of rainfall on Jul 3. An official said that an inspection of drains was done on Jun 28 after a spell of heavy rain caused waterlogging in several residential areas, despite cleaning and desilting them over the past few months. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/gmda-finds-logs-walls-in-stormwater-drains-blame-dumping-for-waterlogging-101720116727068.html (5 Jul 2024)

CLOUD BURSTS

Uttarakhand Cloudburst in Uttarkashi causes flash floods A cloudburst on Jul 25 night unleashed flash floods, causing the Yamuna River to surge dramatically and inflicting widespread damage to properties due to the powerful water currents. The water level rose alarmingly, reaching the parking area in Jankichatti, and resulting in the collapse of embankments in Yamunotri Dham and the security wall of the bridge leading to the revered Yamunotri temple. Three ponies and a motorcycle were swept away in Jankichatti due to the flash flooding. The sudden and intense rainfall caused widespread destruction.

Heavy rainfall at the source of the Yamuna River has caused significant damage to the temple complex in Yamunotri Dham. The temple committee’s office, kitchen, and other structures have also been affected. Purushottam Uniyal, president of the Purohit Mahasabha, confirmed that while there have been no casualties, properties have suffered damage. He attributed the extensive damage to the temple complex to the accumulation of debris, boulders, and stones at the mouth of the Yamuna River.

According to the Uttarkashi District Disaster Management Office, the registration center near Ram Mandir on the Jankichatti-Yamunotri pedestrian route has been damaged. Additionally, the Yamunotri Highway is blocked at Ojri Dabarkot, preventing government officials from reaching Yamunotri Dham from Barkot. Gangotri Dham Rawal Harish Semwal said, “The Ganges has assumed a fierce form, and mild earthquake tremors were felt late at night, causing panic in the region for a while.” A massive landslide, triggered by the cloudburst, has blocked the Madhyamaheshwar route, stranding 105 pilgrims and tourists. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Jul/26/cloudburst-in-uttarkashi-causes-flash-floods-105-stranded-pilgrims-airlifted-as-yamuna-overflows  (26 July 2024)

Several structures in Yamunotri Dham area were damaged after water levels of the Yamuna river from Yamunotri area and the areas downstream up to Janki Chatti had surged due to heavy overnight rains, said district disaster management officials in Uttarkashi district.

“Due to the rise in the water level of the Yamuna River, the room of the Purohit Sabha on the banks of the river in Yamunotri Dham was partially damaged along with the generator and street light of the temple committee office”, Devendra Patwal, district disaster management officer Uttarkashi. He said the debris entered the low-lying areas around the temple and damaged the registration centre of the tourism department near Ram temple.

“The flood-like situation experienced in Yamunotri Dham area triggered by heavy rains from 10pm on Jul 25 to 2pm on Jul 26 led to widespread damage to the infrastructure, the kitchen was also damaged and the high-mast lights near the Yamuna temple’s main entrance was also swept away in the overflowing water from the river”, Purshottam Uniyal, president Purohit Mahasabha Yamunotri shrine said. The Yamunotri Dham shrine is located in a narrow gorge at an altitude of 3,293 metres close to the source of Yamuna River in Uttarkashi district. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/dehradun-news/structures-near-yamunotri-dham-area-damaged-after-river-swells-due-to-heavy-rain-101721985648614.html  (26 July 2024)

यमुना नदी में उफान से तटबंध बहे उत्‍तरकाशी में Jul 25 रात को भारी बारिश हुई, जिस कारण यमुना नदी उफान पर आ गई। जानकीचट्टी में बनी पार्किंग तक यमुना का जल स्तर पहुंच गया। यमुनोत्री धाम में तटबंध बह गए। यमुनोत्री मंदिर को जोड़ने वाले पुल की सुरक्षा दीवार भी बह गई। जानकीचट्टी क्षेत्र में रात्रि में हुई अतिवृष्टि से तीन खच्चर व एक मोटरसाइकिल भी बह गई। जानकीचट्टी पार्किंग के पास कटाव हुआ और शुभम पैलेस होटल के आगे रोड की दीवार क्षतिग्रस्त हो गई। https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/uttarkashi-uttarakhand-weather-update-uttarakhand-weather-embankments-washed-away-due-to-yamuna-river-flood-bridge-wall-collapsed-in-yamunotri-dham-23765884.html  (26 July 2024)

मायके में यमुना का प्रभाव किया जा रहा है अवरुद्ध The flash flood destruction at Yamunotri Shrine and Janaki Chhatti at night of Jul 25 is a result of construction of parking lot, tourist facilites, river taming structures in flood zone apart from chocking river course with massive amount of debris in violation of norms as highlights Apr 18, 2022 report also quoting BS Rawat associate coordinator SANDRP. https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/uttarkashi-the-effect-of-yamuna-is-being-blocked-in-the-maternal-house-22638660.html  (18 April 2022)

DISASTERS

Uttarakhand Silkyara Tunnel Disaster Update: सिलक्यारा टनल में जिस कंपनी की लापरवाही से हादसा हुआ था, उससे 7 महीने बाद भी रेस्क्यू ऑपरेशन पर खर्च हुए 100 करोड़ नहीं वसूल जा सके। न ही अब तक टनल का मलबा साफ हुआ है।  उत्तराखंड सरकार के छह सदस्यीय विशेषज्ञ पैनल ने 70 पेज की रिपोर्ट में सुरंग परियोजना में कई खामियां बताईं। एनएचआईडीसीएल ने इस इस रिपोर्ट को खारिज कर दिया। इंजीनियरिंग प्रोफेसर अर्नोल्ड डिक्स ने बताया, हादसे से पहले टनल में 21 बार भूस्खलन हो चुका था, पर ध्यान नहीं दिया गया। चयनित अलाइनमेंट ठीक नहीं था। ऑडिट में भी अनदेखी हुई।

इस सुरंग के निर्माण का ठेका एनएचआईडीसीएल को 1383.78 करोड़ रु. में दिया गया था। एनएचआईडीसीएल ने नवयुगा इंजीनियरिंग कंपनी लिमिटेड को यही ठेका जून 2018 में 853.79 करोड़ में दिया। नवयुगा ने भी 3 अन्य कंपनियों श्री साई कंस्ट्रक्शन, नव दुर्गा और पीबी चड्ढा को मजदूरों को ठेका दे दिया। तय हुआ कि टनल, एस्केप पैसेज और अप्रोच रोड 8 जुलाई 2022 तक बन जाएंगे। जुलाई 2018 में काम शुरू हुआ, लेकिन अब तक 56% ही हो पाया। अब इसकी डेडलाइन मई 2024 भी गुजर चुकी है। https://www.bhaskar.com/national/news/uttarakhand-silkyara-tunnel-latest-news-updates-133284235.html  (07 July 2024)

RELEVANT REPORTS

MoJS Centre pushes for mandatory floodplain zoning law With only four states complying despite repeated reminders, the Centre is contemplating making it mandatory for states to enact floodplain zoning legislation if they want to access central flood management funds. The four states that have enacted such legislations are: Manipur, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir. A senior official said the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been in continuous communication with state govts, urging them to notify the Flood Plain Zoning Act and demarcate flood zones.

Recently, the CWC updated the Model Act, and the ministry plans to initiate another round of consultations with states. The ministry has proposed making the enactment of the Flood Plain Zoning Act a prerequisite for states to access funds under the Flood Management and Border Areas Program (FMBAP). “We are going for a Cabinet approval for the next phase of the FMBAP. Now the condition for any State to access resources under the FMBAP will be that the state must have enacted the Flood Plain Zoning Act,” the official said. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/07/28/del10-floods-regulation-compliance.html  (28 July 2024)

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

Also see: Yamuna Manthan 04 July 2024; Yamuna Manthan 05 June 2024

Follow us on: www.facebook.com/sandrp.in; https://twitter.com/Indian_Rivers     

In memory of Late Manoj Mishra, Convenor of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan, SANDRP is publishing monthly Yamuna Manthan from Feb 2024. It’s a compilation of developments related to Yamuna River. This is seventh such monthly report in the series and we will try to release same updates in the first week of every month. The main purpose of the exercise is to monitor, document and research all the issues affecting the Yamuna rivers and riverine people so that all concerned may get updated information on ground realities of the river and its people. All are requested to read, share and give suggestions to improve it.