Non-stop illegal structures sprout up in Yamuna floodplains
Several illegal buildings are being built at Jaitpur Extension near Badarpur though the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had directed to stop all construction activities. Even after repeated orders of the civic body to stop all constructions in the Yamuna floodplains, violators continue lining up illegal structures.
DDA had plans to decrease the river zone
A public notice was issued by the civic authority on September 28 seeking to cut the city’s zone O by about 40 percent. As per the Master plan of Delhi, which divides the entire area of the city into various zones, the Zone O comprises the River Yamuna as well as the riverfront area. The DDA’s plan was to regularise the illegal constructions and establishments on the floodplains and after which the 8,070 ha-zone would get reduced to 4961 hectares.
But later, the DDA issued another notice ordering that all constructions activities on the riverfront land should be stopped until a final decision is taken on boundaries of the river zone. As per the notice, any construction or encroachment carried on in the area will be demolished. It will also punish the offenders.
Responses against the authority
Following this, many environmentalists alleged that the move would lead to tampering with the river’s ecology. But the DDA stated that rezoning was crucial as the residents of the illegal colonies like Jaitpur and Meethapur in zone O had no choice to rebuild or repair their houses as construction was completely banned in that region. They were even deprived of the basic facilities like schools, hospitals, community halls, etc.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) too opposed the civic body’s move and it also ordered a stay on rezoning following the oppositions done by the river ecology experts. However, the buildings which have already been erected and those which are currently under construction have extensively damaged the riverfront area.
Upcoming elections bring in hope to residents
The nearby assembly elections seem to have granted a new hope of regularisation of the illegal colonies, to its residents. The residents have also said that Delhi Chief minister Sheila Dikshit has promised them that Jaitpur will be taken off from Zone O and therefore, residents can continue building homes there.
Only 10% land is available in Jaitpur
Around 90 percent of the land in the area has already been sold off irrespective of the fact that it belongs to the O Zone. At present, the cost of land in Jaitpur is in the range of Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000 per square yard. The residents claimed that, when the DDA announced a ban on constructions, supply and transport of building material was halted for few days. But it later resumed its functions as regularisation of land was proposed.
If the government gives its nod to rezoning, it would lead to rise in issues like encroachments on the floodplains. Then the river would be narrowed down further and more and more constructions would come up in its place. Areas including Sonia Vihar, Jagatpur, Rajeev Nagar, and others on the riverfront have also recorded a similar trend, said activists.
