• Source:JND
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The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to remove all encroachments and illegal construction on the Yamuna river bank, riverbeds, and drains flowing into the river. While considering a plea seeking directions to the DDA to demolish the unauthorised construction on the Yamuna river bank and to further prevent the same in the future, a bench comprising acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed the vice chairman (VC) of the DDA to remove all encroachments and illegal construction in its July 8 order, which was uploaded on Wednesday.

The petitioner, Shabnam Burney, sought directions from the authorities to take necessary steps to prevent illegal construction on the Yamuna River bank and floodplains shortly. The High Court directed the senior official to hold a meeting of all the relevant officials in a week and requested that a report on the measures taken be filed in six weeks. The matter is listed on September 9. 

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During the hearing, the counsel appearing for the Delhi government and the Delhi Police stated that several representations regarding illegal constructions on the Yamuna river bank have been forwarded to DDA and MCD for appropriate action.

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Meanwhile, the counsel appearing for the MCD said that the situation calls for urgent action. He further stated that the Vice Chairman of DDA should be designated as the nodal officer and given the authority to remove all unauthorized construction and encroachment on the Yamuna river bank, river bed, and floodplains since he is the most senior officer among the heads of the MCD, PWD, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and DMRC.

While assuring that the authorities would offer all necessary support, the counsel requested the court to pass directions. The MCD's advocate, Ajay Arora, gave the assurance that the municipal corporation would fully assist the DDA and DMRC in the removal.