The National Green Tribunal is watching closely as the Uttar Pradesh irrigation department has been demarcating floodplain zones along the Yamuna and Hindon rivers, while it also took up the issues related to unauthorized construction within these zones. Demarcation of the process has saved the river floodplains from illegal encroachment, which might bring forth ecological harm and higher risks of floods in communities closer to the rivers.
Background: Floodplain Erosion and Environmental Issues
In the past few years, illegal construction along floodplains of Yamuna and Hindon rivers emerged as a major issue within Uttar Pradesh, especially in Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Gautam Buddha Nagar districts. Floodplains are essential natural buffers for rivers in that they permit rivers to expand during monsoon months and prevent excess water from flooding inhabited areas nearby. However, the development of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings in these places has degraded them, hence increasing the risk of flood and environmental hazards.
NGT has taken action by stopping further construction and encroachment of land, asking the Uttar Pradesh Government to clearly demarcate the floodplain areas and put an end to unauthorized encroachment.
Present Status of Yamuna Floodplain Demarcation
The NGT, while reviewing the Yamuna floodplain demarcation on October 24, 2024, has found that most of the work has been completed. A compliance report submitted by the state’s irrigation department says that the demarcation process along the Yamuna floodplain in Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Gautam Buddha Nagar is complete except for a three-kilometer stretch located upstream of the Okhla Barrage. This portion was supposed to be evaluated further, and the state promised to finish this within two months.
Acceptance by the tribunal bench was also granted by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava presiding over judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel on progress of the demarcation work. The court agreed with the plea of AAG for extra time in the last leg of demarcation of Yamuna floodplain.
Outstanding Matters and Time Frame: Demarcation of Floodplain of Hindon River
The NGT is also undertaking the demarcation of floodplain areas on the Hindon River, parallel with the Yamuna floodplain. This river passes through many districts in Uttar Pradesh: Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. It stretches to about 371 kilometers; 56 kilometers pass through Ghaziabad, and 45 kilometers pass through Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The demarcation of floodplain areas along the Hindon River has taken some time. The executive engineer for the irrigation and construction division of Ghaziabad said, “The Survey of India hasn’t provided the required maps with accurate contours yet. The AAG said that the required maps will be available by February 2025. They further said that after it reaches them, the officials expect four more months to mark the Hindon flood plain.”.
NGT’s Instructions to Uttar Pradesh Government
NGT has highlighted the fact that demarcation work must be done both for the Yamuna and Hindon floodplains so that such areas are not constructed. The tribunal has also ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to file a detailed report on progress by March 3, 2025, which will reflect the completion percentage along with further steps taken in order to prevent such encroachments in such sensitive ecological areas.
The tribunal ordered the respective authorities to monitor floodplains and not let unauthorized works occur during this transition time. Periodical check will also be provided along with report to ascertain adherence toward the environmental conditions. Therefore, it can easily analyze future policy directions of usage in floodplains also.
Environmental and Public Safety Implications
Flooding into the floodplain is one of the most critical environmental and safety issues in states like Uttar Pradesh, where the monsoon season is quite intense. Floodplains are natural drainage areas that absorb and dissipate excess rainwater, thus reducing flood risks. Construction in these areas reduces their water-holding capacity, increases vulnerability to floods, and may have disastrous consequences for populations nearby.
For instance, illegal constructions in floodplains often result in poor drainage systems that can enhance the speed of waterlogging and soil erosion. Again, denser populations in flood-prone areas tend to exert pressure on the community infrastructure, making flood-related emergencies more complex. The proper demarcation of floodplains and prevention of unauthorized construction would enable the authorities to better protect communities and safeguard natural ecosystems better.
Legal Framework and the Role of NGT
The NGT which aims at ensuring a committed and special platform for discussing issues on the environment matters deals significantly in enforcing and regulation of the environmental aspects. Therefore, this case manifests intervention of NGT reflecting more needs in holding strict oversea zones over the flood plain maintaining the ecological balance hence a means to prevent more and further degradation of environment in this aspect.
The tribunal repeatedly asserts that environmental protection overrules unapproved development activity, especially when it means floodplains or more sensitive ecosystems. With a spate of orders by the NGT to Uttar Pradesh state government, its point is driven home-to sustain land use that in no way threatens the contours of natural landscapes or those of public safety.
Broad Implications for Urban Development
This case in Uttar Pradesh is one of the more complex examples of balancing the greater issues of urban development and environmental protection in the Indian subcontinent, as more and more areas of this country are rapidly being transformed into urban landscapes. While floodplain zones and other sensitive ecological areas are highly prone to developers and local communities looking to expand their infrastructure, clear policies and strong enforcement of land-use regulations can help prevent ecological damage and protect public health.
Such directives from the NGT on this matter may incite all other states to take timely steps to demarcate similar rivers and floodplains and enforce regulations around those areas. Management of rivers and floodplains is considered to be the key activity for maintaining a balance between development and environmental sustainability.
The NGT orders to finalize the demarcation of floodplain areas along the Yamuna and Hindon rivers in Uttar Pradesh are a vital step toward dealing with illegal construction and conserving such ecologically sensitive areas. Once the authorities of Uttar Pradesh complete the remaining tasks, NGT oversight will be essential to ensure compliance and accountability in floodplain management. Other states follow the trend by the tribunal because it’s an example for proactive measures on floodplains based on environmental preservation and safety for the public.
The hearing shall be conducted, and an update shall be provided on demarcation and further action taken as of March 3, 2025, toward effectively enforcing regulations that are in place for protection of floodplains.
Source: Data according to the order of the National Green Tribunal made on October 24, 2024 regarding identification of floodplain and unauthorized constructions in districts of Uttar Pradesh comprising of Ghaziabad, Greater Noida and Gautam Buddha Nagar.