Remove debris on Yamuna floodplains in 3 weeks: NGT

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said the Department of Irrigation of Delhi and UP would be responsible for carrying out these directions.

"The debris on either side of river Yamuna, if not already removed, shall be removed within 3 weeks," the bench said.

The green panel said the work for rejuvenation of river Yamuna should not be stopped unnecessarily as the pollution is rising daily and any "inaction on part of authorities cannot be tolerated."

"In the interest of environment and public health, the Government and all concerned authorities must perform their function and ensure that river Yamuna is rejuvenated to its original pristine status. Now, the project is being carried on in a planned, scientific and implementable manner and any obstruction in that behalf will not be tolerated," the bench said.

The tribunal reconstituted the Principal Committee, formed to see execution of Yamuna cleaning, and included Shashi Shekhar, former secretary of Ministry of Water Resources as special invitee.

It also convened a meeting of stakeholders including officials from Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and UP government for cleaning and rejuvenation of river Yamuna which will be held on August 8 at 3 pm at NGT.

During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the Delhi government told the NGT that requisite steps are being taken by the Delhi Jal Board to ensure that the work for cleaning of Yamuna is completed with utmost expeditiousness.

"In relation to the project report of the second Phase of the Yamuna cleaning, it is submitted that it has already been filed before the tribunal as well as sent to the Principal Committee, Ministry of Water Resources," the bench noted.

The tribunal had earlier asked some northern states to submit a detailed report on rejuvenation and restoration of Yamuna, saying pollution in the river was of serious concern as it was highly contaminated by industrial effluents

and sewage. Agencies