Fri Oct 24 20:07:30 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
As Delhi prepares for the Chhath Puja festival, concerns are rising over environmental damage to the Yamuna floodplains. Construction of ghats (platforms) for the festival appears to be violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives. The Hindu’s investigation reveals widespread digging, levelling, compacting, and vegetation removal using heavy machinery at multiple sites. A 500-meter road is being built, depressions are being filled, and makeshift bridges are appearing. Environmental experts warn of potentially irreversible damage to the ecosystem, echoing concerns raised after the 2016 Art of Living event. The NGT’s previous orders prohibit such floodplain alterations. The activities are destroying water recharging capacity, and damaging the natural ecosystem. Activists condemn the activity as a clear violation of environmental laws.
News Article:
Yamuna Floodplains Face Environmental Damage Amid Chhath Puja Preparations, Violating NGT Directives
New Delhi, October 25, 2025 – As Delhi prepares for the Chhath Puja festival, environmental concerns are mounting over the ongoing construction of ghats (platforms) on the Yamuna floodplains. An investigation by The Hindu has revealed widespread land alteration and vegetation removal, potentially violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives aimed at protecting the fragile ecosystem.
At least six ghat sites are showing signs of significant disturbance, with bulldozers and earthmovers digging, levelling, and compacting the land. At a ghat near the Old Railway Bridge, a nearly 500-metre-long road has been constructed across the floodplains using gravel and rocks. Other sites show depressions being filled with soil and temporary structures being erected.
The NGT’s 2015 order prohibits “filling up” of floodplains. Following the 2016 Art of Living event, which caused similar damage, a High-Powered Committee (HPC) warned of irreversible harm from such activities.
Environmental experts warn that these current activities could lead to loss of wetlands and the destruction of habitats for birds and other wildlife. The activities are destroying the water recharging capacity, and damaging the natural ecosystem.
“What is happening now at the ghats is reminiscent of the Art of Living case,” an environmental expert told The Hindu. “Excavation, removing of vegetation, and levelling depressions will alter the basic character of the floodplains, destroy their water recharging capacity, and damage the natural ecosystem. This violates the NGT’s directions.”
Environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari condemned the activity as “a clear breach of existing laws and an act of ecological destruction.”
The office of Parvesh Sahib Singh, Minister for Irrigation and Flood Control, declined to comment on the matter.
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