Floodplains being encroached in Delhi-NCR: NGT informed

A “flood” of multi-storeyed buildings have been constructed on the floodbanks of Ganga and Yamuna over the years without devising any mechanism for waste disposal, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) told the National Green Tribunal on Thursday.

The state pollution control board told the green panel that floodplains have been encroached upon in Delhi, Noida and Greater Noida to build apartments and housing societies.

The UPPCB alleged that these buildings released tonnes of solid waste and untreated water, which went directly into the rivers causing pollution, and said those living in them should be directed to have their own sewage treatment plants (STPs).

“Over the years, there has been a flood of residential and commercial buildings along the floodplains of Yamuna and Ganga. But the sewerage capacity has not changed. 

Presently, they take environmental clearance (EC) and discharge their solid waste and other garbage in the sewer lines in collusion with local bodies. Local authorities take money and grant them permission to discharge all waste in the sewer lines.

The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue on Friday.