New data reveals worrying picture on extent of Yamuna floodplains encroachment

Nearly 75% of Delhi's Yamuna floodplains have been encroached upon, encompassing over 7,362 hectares out of a total of 9,700 hectares, ToI reported on August 30. Despite efforts by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to combat this illegal occupation, only about 400 hectares have been reclaimed over the past two years. This data comes from a survey conducted using satellite imaging and drone photographs under the directive of the Delhi High Court, the report (by Atul Mathur) said.

The Yamuna floodplains in Delhi stretch along a 22km length of the river from Wazirabad to Palla. This area is categorized as Zone O under the Delhi Master Plan 2021. According to a senior Delhi government official, DDA has not only conducted aerial surveys but also verified the data through ground-truthing of geo-spatial maps to confirm the extent of encroachment.

Zone O is slated for changes under the draft Master Plan 2041. It will be divided into Zone O-I, where no construction is permitted, and Zone O-II, which will allow regulated development. Presently, there are around 76 unauthorized colonies within Zone O-II that DDA proposes to delineate for regularization.


The floodplain is essential for both the river's ecosystem and groundwater recharge. Multiple legal cases concerning encroachment and illegal construction on the floodplain are ongoing in the high court and Supreme Court. In July, the high court directed DDA to remove all encroachments and illegal constructions on the floodplain and to fence the area. The court also instructed the authorities to use the latest technologies to monitor for future illegal construction.

“The court directed the authorities to employ the latest technologies to monitor any upcoming illegal construction,” an official said.

A report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) from DDA on July 13 stated that encroachments had been removed from 401.4 hectares of the Yamuna floodplains since June 2022. The demolitions included six dairy farms and three cricket grounds, with DDA also clearing 10 locations of about 3,906 illegal establishments such as jhuggis, cultivated fields, and dairies.

According to DDA, "Of the 10 biodiversity parks being developed in the Yamuna floodplain, four were encroachment-free while the remaining projects had land that has been encroached on, including land under litigation."

The high court has also mandated that DDA cooperate with other concerned agencies for the removal of illegal occupants. Delhi police are to assist in maintaining law and order during anti-encroachment drives.

“DDA has removed encroachments from 401.4 hectares of land on the Yamuna floodplains since June 2022 by demolishing illegal structures. These included six dairy farms and three cricket grounds,” the authority said.

In addition to reclaiming land, DDA's efforts are part of broader legal and regulatory initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring the Yamuna floodplain. The comprehensive survey and anti-encroachment measures reflect ongoing attempts to balance developmental pressures with environmental conservation.