6 yrs and counting...cowshed encroaches upon Yamuna floodplains, violates green norms

In a case of utter violation of environmental norms, blatant encroachment and destruction of green area on the Yamuna floodplains, a cowshed – sheltering more than 500 bovines – is operating near the old Yamuna iron bridge.

The cow shelter, which has been functioning for the past six years, was set up by destroying the green cover, thereby destabilising the region’s biodiversity and ecosystem. 

The cow dung and fodder from the shed are drained into the already-polluted Yamuna, which spoils the efforts put in by activists to clean and revive the second-most sacred river.

The cowshed encourages further encroachment on the floodplains. Many huts have come up around the sheltor home for animals.

“There is nothing wrong in setting up cow sheds. They say that running a cowshed on the floodplains is illegal, but why has the government allowed the construction of Metro stations, temples and gurdwaras on these so-called ‘protected’ areas. This means that when the government allows construction activity, it is all good and legal. But when we maintain a cow shed, then there is a hue and cry. The law should be the same for all – whether it is for a Metro station or a cow shed,” said Swami Rajesh Panday, who maintains the animal home.

“Any activity, which pollutes the river and destroys its ecosystem, is illegal. Even farming would be illegal if the wastewater, containing chemicals, is drained into the river. Such acts are in violation to the Water Act and the Environment Protection Act. If the waste produced from the cowshed is drained into the Yamuna, it must be looked into. The existence of cowshed on the riverbed shows the authorities’ negligent attitude,” said Manoj Mishra, an environment activist. He added: “There are several cow and bull shelters  near the DND Flyover as well.” 

It must be noted that in 2015, the National Green Tribunal had ordered the identification and removal of encroachment and unauthorised construction on the Yamuna floodplains. The celebration of the Art of Living Foundation’s mega festival on the Yamuna floodplains had also created big controversy.