Yamuna Floodplain – NGT Seeks Fresh Action Reports Over Illegal Dairy Farm Violations
Yamuna Floodplain – The National Green Tribunal has expressed dissatisfaction over the continued presence of illegal dairy farms on the Yamuna floodplains, stating that previous directions aimed at removing these encroachments have not been effectively carried out.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has once again raised concerns about the continued operation of unauthorized dairy farms within the protected Yamuna floodplain area in Delhi. Observing that its earlier orders have not been fully enforced, the Tribunal instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to submit updated reports detailing the action taken to address the violations.
Tribunal Reviews Compliance With Earlier Directions
The directions were issued by a Bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava along with expert member Afroz Ahmad during a hearing held on July 15. The matter relates to a petition claiming that authorities had failed to implement the Tribunal’s April 2024 order requiring the removal of illegal dairy farms from the Yamuna floodplain, including those operating in Chak Chilla village near Mayur Nature Park.
After reviewing the documents placed before it, the Bench noted that the measures taken so far had not achieved the intended outcome, prompting it to seek fresh compliance reports from the concerned agencies.
Inspection Highlights Continued Encroachments
A status report submitted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee was examined during the proceedings. The report was prepared following inspections conducted in the environmentally protected O-Zone, where construction and similar activities are prohibited to preserve the floodplain ecosystem.
According to the inspection findings, officials observed multiple signs of ongoing encroachment in areas located below the DND Flyover, along the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System corridor, and near New Friends Colony. The inspection teams reported temporary cattle shelters, stored animal feed, large accumulations of cattle waste, and nearly 50 to 60 bovine animals grazing across open grassland within the protected zone.
Based on these observations, the Tribunal concluded that its previous directives had not been adequately implemented and emphasized the need for stronger enforcement.
DDA Points to Lack of Coordinated Enforcement
During the hearing, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) informed the Tribunal that demolition drives had been carried out on several occasions to remove illegal structures from the floodplain. However, according to the authority, those occupying the land repeatedly returned after the drives and resumed keeping cattle at the same locations, including beneath the flyover.
The DDA further stated that responsibility for impounding the animals rests with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Animal Husbandry Department. It informed the Tribunal that despite repeated communication regarding the issue, the required action to remove the cattle had not been taken.
Fresh Reports Ordered From Authorities
Taking note of the continuing violations, the National Green Tribunal directed both the MCD and the DPCC to file fresh action taken reports before the matter is heard again. The Tribunal’s latest observations underline the importance of coordinated efforts among government agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and protect the sensitive Yamuna floodplain from illegal occupation and activities that could damage its ecological balance.