Noida: To protect the environment and restore river health, the Gautam Budh Nagar administration has ordered a crackdown on unauthorised industrial operations and illegal constructions near the Hindon and Yamuna floodplains. In a recent decision, the District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma has issued directives to cut off electricity to illegal industrial units and dismantle unlawful structures, including farmhouses and colonies that have developed up over the years.
The announcement was made following a recent meeting of the district Ganga committee, where environmental protection and river restoration were top priorities. Verma emphasised the urgency of removing these encroachments. Furthermore, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) has also been tasked with employing phytoremediation techniques to treat untreated drains that flow into the rivers. This natural, biological process will be critical in reducing pollution levels in the Hindon and Yamuna rivers. A detailed action report on the progress of these measures will be presented at the next Ganga committee meeting.
Directives for the power department
A significant decision from the meeting was the directive for the power department to disconnect electricity to illegal industrial units operating near the floodplains. Verma emphasised the need to act swiftly, as these units have posed environmental threats for years. Although Harish Bansal, Chief Engineer of PVVNL Noida, was absent from the meeting, the actions are expected to proceed promptly.
Solid waste management and its impact on river pollution were also key topics of discussion. Divisional Forest Officer PK Srivastava urged increased vigilance to prevent waste from entering the rivers. Meanwhile, surprise inspections will be conducted, and officials are required to report on the number of drains discharging into the rivers. River ghats will also be cleaned regularly, with a comprehensive mapping of waste hotspots already underway. To further enhance waste management, twin litter bins will be installed every 50 meters along the ghats.
Addressing illegal dumping & infrastructure improvements
Plans were also outlined to clean up illegal dumping sites near riverbanks and install mesh barriers to stop waste from entering the rivers. Authorities will closely monitor the progress, with monthly updates to be uploaded to the National Mission for Clean Ganga portal.
A public list of illegal farmhouses built on floodplains will be released, raising awareness about the extent of unapproved developments. Additionally, urban Ganga service committees will be established, and Noida will spearhead a survey of the drains flowing into the rivers.
