Concerns raised over greenery damage on Yamuna floodplains

Environmentalists, including a former Secretary at the Centre, have written to the Union Environment Ministry over damage to greenery near the Yamuna floodplains at ITO ghat in central Delhi due to debris and rock dumping, reportedly for a riverfront project.

When The Hindu visited the site on Thursday, several trees were found damaged. Large quantities of rocks had been dumped along a road running almost parallel to the river from ITO ghat up to Drain No. 12, which flows into the Yamuna. At least two trees were seen fully damaged and lying on the ground.

Workers at the site said the stones were being used to strengthen the road so it could function as a bund during floods. They added that the road, located within the floodplains, would also be widened as part of the project. Portions of the over 400-metre stretch appeared to have already been expanded.

Near the drain gate, another patch of floodplain had been cleared of vegetation. Workers said a room was proposed to be constructed there. They said the work is being carried out by a contractor on behalf of the Delhi government. The Chief Minister’s Office did not comment till the time of going to press. A Delhi government officer, however, said they were strengthening the bund.