An Application No. 06/2012 has been filed before Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding removal of debris, solid wastes, construction material, etc, lying along the banks of river Yamuna. The NGT vide its order dated 22nd July 2013, has directed all concerned agencies to remove this debris by 15th August 2013. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
The Minister further stated that as per the information provided by the concerned agencies, Delhi Development Authority has removed 101,500 cubic metres (m3) of debris, Public Works Department and Irrigation & Flood Control Department of Delhi Government have removed 20,000 m3 of debris, Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has removed 71,000 m3 of debris and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has removed approximately 73,000 metric tonnes of construction & demolition waste from their jurisdiction.
The Minister further stated that the Ministry has issued Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 which stipulates that all development activities, including construction, which are listed in the said Notification requires necessary clearances under the Notification. Violation of the notification attracts punitive action under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Under the provision of EIA Notification, 2006, environmental clearance for building & construction and township & area development projects are appraised by the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEACs) and approved by the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). Further, State Governments issue Notifications/Notices from time to time to not take up construction on the river flood plain, the Minister added.