Report on encroachment of Yamuna flood plains, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 01/09/2020
Response to report by Akash Vashistha to report dated August 25, 2020 submitted by the District Magistrate, Mathura. The matter related to construction of a metalled road taking place in the river bed of Yamuna in Vrindavan along with other permanent illegal constructions. The road was used to facilitate illegal reclamation of floodplains. The construction of this road was leading to dumping of malba and debris on the ghats (Cheer Ghat, Govind Ghat and Bhramar Ghat). This had caused irreparable damage to the Ghats and obstructing the natural flow of the river.
The applicant mentions the report "Report on site visit to Vrindavan to assess the revival of 400-500 old bathing ghats along the Yamuna riverfront" based on a site inspection of August 14, 2019. The report had stated that the flood plain was seprated from the bathing ghats by a road which was laid on the floodplain. The floodplain and the water course of one channel was completely encroached and massive buildings were constructed.
Akash Vashistha has requested that the illegal concretised road constructed on the Yamuna floodplains of Vrindavan-Mathura between Shringarvat and Keshi Ghat be removed, alongwith the illegal gaushala. Further, all temporary and permanent construction on the Yamuna floodplains be removed.