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  Floodplains being encroached in Delhi-NCR: UP board

Floodplains being encroached in Delhi-NCR: UP board

PTI
Published : Oct 21, 2016, 1:27 am IST
Updated : Oct 21, 2016, 1:27 am IST

A “flood” of multi-storeyed buildings have been constructed on the floodbanks of Ganga and Yamuna over the years without devising any mechanism for waste disposal, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control

DEL4.jpg
 DEL4.jpg

A “flood” of multi-storeyed buildings have been constructed on the floodbanks of Ganga and Yamuna over the years without devising any mechanism for waste disposal, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) told the National Green Tribunal on Thursday.

The state pollution control board told the green panel that floodplains have been encroached upon in Delhi, Noida and Greater Noida to build apartments and housing societies.

The UPPCB alleged that these buildings released tonnes of solid waste and untreated water, which went directly into the rivers causing pollution, and said those living in them should be directed to have their own sewage treatment plants (STPs).

“Over the years, there has been a flood of residential and commercial buildings along the floodplains of Yamuna and Ganga. But the sewerage capacity has not changed. Presently, they take environmental clearance (EC) and discharge their solid waste and other garbage in the sewer lines in collusion with local bodies. Local authorities take money and grant them permission to discharge all waste in the sewer lines. Also, there is no site for dumping of municipal solid waste. When you plan a new residential area like Greater Noida there must be an independent site. Whenever any colony, multi-storey building, apartment is constructed, it should be made mandatory in their EC condition that they must have their own STPs,” UPPCB told the NGT.

The hearing remained inconclusive and will continue on Friday.

The Tribunal had on Wednesday lamented that the Ganga rejuvenation project, which is of national importance, was being carried out by officials “who do not know” how many drains are polluting the river.

While setting up a panel to collect information on the quantum and quality of waste being released into the river, the NGT had said “a project of national importance is being carried out and all authorities including Centre and state government do not know how many drains are polluting Ganga.”

Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi