The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested explanations from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and several other agencies concerning ongoing construction activities on the Yamuna floodplain. This action was prompted by media reports revealing construction at locations such as Sur Ghat and near the Signature Bridge.
Tribunal’s Action
- Date of Action: The tribunal acted upon reports highlighting construction in floodplain areas.
- Previous Orders: The tribunal had previously prohibited construction on the active Yamuna floodplains.
- CPCB Report: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently submitted a report detailing the construction status along the river.
NGT’s Order and Responses
- Impleadment and Notices: On May 22, 2024, the tribunal impleaded the respondents and issued notices.
- Responses and Extensions: NMCG requested six weeks to provide a detailed response and to review DDA’s comments, though no representative was present for this request as per the tribunal’s order dated August 7, 2024.
- Pending Responses: Awaited responses include those from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Union environment ministry, ministry of jal shakti, and NMCG.
- Next Hearing: The matter is scheduled for August 23.
CPCB Report Highlights
- Findings: The CPCB’s report, submitted on August 6, 2024, identified concrete structures at Sur Ghat and Baansera on the Yamuna floodplain. Structures removed included those at Millennium Bus Depot and Qudsia Ghat.
- Structures Noted: At Sur Ghat, structures include bathing pools, an administrative building, changing rooms, a generator room, and local kiosks. A boundary wall with barbed wire is present separating the river and the ghat.
Tribunal’s Additional Orders
- Pachmarhi Airstrip Expansion: The tribunal suspended the expansion project in Madhya Pradesh until all statutory permissions are obtained. Authorities must respond within two weeks, with detailed environmental studies and clearances required before further action.
SIMI Ban Extension
- Ninth Extension: The tribunal upheld the ninth extension of the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) due to its ongoing unlawful and terrorist activities. The decision was supported by evidence of SIMI’s connections with terrorist groups and involvement in terror plots.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What prompted the NGT to seek explanations from various agencies regarding construction on the Yamuna floodplain?
- A. A petition from local residents
- B. Media reports highlighting construction activities
- C. A complaint from an environmental organization
- D. An order from the Supreme Court
- Which date was the NGT’s order issued, requiring responses from the agencies involved?
- A. May 22, 2024
- B. August 7, 2024
- C. August 2, 2024
- D. August 23, 2024
- What specific structures were noted by the CPCB at Sur Ghat according to their August 6, 2024 report?
- A. Offices and parking lots
- B. Separate bathing pools, administrative building, changing rooms, generator room, and kiosks
- C. Schools and hospitals
- D. Residential buildings and shops
- Why did the NGT suspend the Pachmarhi airstrip expansion project?
- A. Due to financial issues
- B. Due to lack of proper permissions and environmental clearances
- C. Due to local protests
- D. Due to project delays
- What was the primary reason for the NGT upholding the ninth extension of the SIMI ban?
- A. SIMI’s involvement in illegal activities and terrorist plots
- B. Financial mismanagement by SIMI
- C. Disputes within SIMI’s leadership
- D. SIMI’s failure to register with the government