GHAZIABAD: Following the UP government’s notification to the National Green Tribunal about 258 unauthorized colonies discharging untreated sewage into the Hindon River, District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar has instructed officials to initiate a coordinated effort to identify and eliminate encroachments along the river.
During a meeting with officials from the Loni SDM’s office, irrigation department, GDA, and municipal bodies, teams were tasked with cross-referencing revenue records, irrigation data, and maps with on-site conditions to identify illegal occupations.
In an affidavit submitted to the NGT on April 28 by state chief secretary Shashi Prakash Goyal, it was revealed that 888 unauthorized colonies across six districts—approximately 30% in Ghaziabad—are responsible for discharging almost 40 million liters of sewage daily into the river. This filing was in response to an NGT order from December 9 of the previous year.
The affidavit also highlighted 51 open storm drains in the basin that transport an estimated 1,067 MLD of water, sludge, industrial discharge, and sewage into the river and its tributaries. It indicated that these unauthorized colonies, home to over 380,000 residents, lack adequate drainage infrastructure, allowing sewage to flow into open and stormwater drains before reaching the river.
During Friday’s meeting, Mandar assessed the state of encroachments along the riverbanks and the original riverbed lands of both the Yamuna and Hindon.
Mandar emphasized, “Officials must identify illegal occupations by aligning revenue records, irrigation data, and available maps with ground conditions. Swift action is required against illegal constructions and occupations in riverbed areas, as no form of encroachment will be tolerated.”
Karhera, Ator-Nagla, and Kanawani have repeatedly been pointed out as heavily encroached segments of the Hindon floodplain, although past enforcement has been inconsistent. A comprehensive anti-encroachment campaign will proceed only after the floodplain demarcation is finalized.
Additionally, Mandar has launched a special campaign focused on environmental conservation and the rejuvenation of the two rivers, labeling them as vital to the region’s ecological balance. Officials are required to provide regular updates on their progress to the district administration.
Prioritizing the removal of encroachments from river areas is crucial, according to the DM. He noted that maintaining an unobstructed river flow is essential for mitigating flood risks ahead of the monsoon. “Any obstruction to the rivers increases the potential for economic losses and poses risks to residents during monsoon-related events. Hence, the urgent need to address encroachments,” he added.
