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The Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to vacate all facilities on the Yamuna floodplain by March 2026, citing non-compliance with earlier directions. DMRC will not be allowed to operate batching plants, casting yards or store equipment on the floodplain beyond the deadline. The court has also directed that the area be restored after removal, in coordination with forest and horticulture departments. The Delhi Development Authority will monitor the process and submit a compliance report after the deadline.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to vacate all facilities located on the Yamuna floodplain by March 2026, reiterating that continued occupation of the ecologically sensitive area cannot be permitted. The court observed that earlier directions to remove infrastructure from the floodplain had not been complied with in a timely manner. Advertisement
The court restricted DMRC from carrying out any activity on the floodplain beyond the March 2026 deadline. This includes the use of batching plants, casting yards, machinery, or storage of construction material. While acknowledging the importance of the metro network for public transport in the national capital, the court made it clear that environmental norms and river protection cannot be overlooked.
DMRC informed the court that delays in dismantling were partly due to restrictions imposed under pollution control measures and logistical challenges. However, the bench noted that sufficient time had already been granted and expressed concern over the lack of visible progress on the ground.
Once the removal of all infrastructure is completed, DMRC has been instructed to restore the floodplain to its original condition. The restoration work is to be carried out in coordination with the horticulture and forest departments to ensure ecological recovery. The Delhi Development Authority has been directed to oversee the process and submit a compliance report after the deadline, confirming that the land has been cleared and restored.
The case stems from long-standing concerns over construction and commercial use on the Yamuna floodplain, which has repeatedly been flagged by courts and environmental bodies as a threat to the river's natural flow and ecology.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What directive has the Delhi High Court issued to DMRC regarding the Yamuna floodplain
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to vacate all facilities on the Yamuna floodplain by March 2026. The court emphasized that continued occupation of this ecologically sensitive area cannot be allowed, citing non-compliance with earlier directions to remove infrastructure. This includes all temporary and permanent structures that interfere with the natural flow and ecology of the river, highlighting the importance of balancing development with environmental protection.
Q2. What activities are prohibited on the floodplain after the March 2026 deadline
After March 2026, DMRC will be strictly prohibited from carrying out any construction-related or operational activities on the Yamuna floodplain. This includes operating batching plants, casting yards, storing construction materials, or using machinery of any kind. The court's order ensures that the floodplain will no longer be used for construction purposes, preventing further ecological damage and supporting the restoration of the river's natural environment.
Q3. Why did DMRC cite delays in vacating the floodplain
DMRC informed the court that delays in dismantling their facilities were partly caused by pollution control restrictions and logistical challenges associated with moving heavy construction equipment and materials. Despite these reasons, the court observed that sufficient time had already been granted and expressed concern over the lack of visible progress on the ground, stressing that operational convenience cannot outweigh environmental responsibilities.
Q4. What restoration measures are required after vacating the floodplain
Once all DMRC infrastructure has been removed, the court has instructed that the floodplain must be restored to its original ecological condition. The restoration work is to be carried out in close coordination with the horticulture and forest departments to ensure proper ecological recovery. This includes rehabilitating vegetation, removing debris, and reinstating the floodplain's natural landscape to support biodiversity and protect the river's natural flow.
Q5. Who will monitor compliance with the court's orders
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been assigned the responsibility of monitoring DMRC's compliance with the court's directive. DDA will oversee the removal of all facilities and ensure the restoration work is properly executed. After the March 2026 deadline, the authority must submit a detailed compliance report to the court confirming that the floodplain has been vacated and restored in accordance with the ecological and environmental guidelines outlined in the judgment.
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