Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding desilting of 24 drains out falling in river Yamuna, Delhi, 21/02/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Nizamuddin West Association Vs Union of India & Others dated 21/02/2025.
The matter related to the issue of desilting of 24 drains out falling in river Yamuna in Delhi. Desilting work of these 24 drains is to be done by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FCD). I&FCD submitted a report dated February 20, 2025 disclosing the status of desilting. The report also disclosed the targeted quantity of desilting.
The court was informed that if the desilting work is not completed by the I&FCD within the timeline then this year monsoon will start and the residents of the colony from where these drains are flowing may face the same flooding/overflowing problem of these drains which they had faced in the previous monsoon and they may suffer the same damage and loss on account of such flooding.
"Hence, it is necessary that the work of desilting of these 24 drains is completed within the timeline which has been disclosed by I&FCD". The NGT directed the Additional Chief Secretary, I&FCD to submit an undertaking by February 25, 2025 that the work of desilting will be completed within the stipulated timeline. The Additional Chief Secretary, I&FCD was directed to appear virtually on the next date of hearing, February 27, 2025 to appraise the court about the details of the manner in which the timeline will be adhered to and it will be ensured that no flooding/overflowing of these 24 drains take place during the next monsoon.