Construction on Yamuna, Hindon banks: NGT pulls UP officials

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal today pulled up Uttar Pradesh officials for failing to submit their report on the action they have taken regarding construction in the flood plains of Yamuna and Hindon rivers.

A bench, headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, directed Uttar Pradesh authorities to come prepared and comply with its directions while listing the matter for further consideration on January 30.

On May 20, 2013, the Tribunal had ordered demolition of all illegal and unauthorised structures in the flood plains of the Yamuna and the Hindon in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on a plea against the 'concretisation' of the banks of the two rivers.

It had also restrained any construction, temporary and permanent, which is being carried out without the permission of the competent authorities in the flood zones of the two rivers.

The Tribunal was hearing a plea by UP-based water conservationist Akash Vashishtha claiming construction of concrete farmhouses, plots, colonies and commercial set-ups in river-bed area damages the natural environment and is a grave hazard to well-being of humans and violates the Environment Protection Act 1986.