Lieutenant governor orders suspension of Delhi Development Authority staff over re-encroachment of Yamuna floodplain

New Delhi: Taking stringent steps to control encroachment of DDA land on the Yamuna floodplain, lieutenant governor VK Saxena on Tuesday ordered the immediate suspension of field staff for the alarming re-encroachment of land near Pusta Road in Mayur Vihar Phase-I to NH-24.
The suspended staff include the assistant and junior engineers responsible for the Mayur Nature Park project site, said officials.

"An FIR will also be lodged under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, including sections 198, 223, 316 and 318, as well as Section 13 of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 against the implicated staff," LG's office stated.
A departmental inquiry has also been initiated to ensure accountability and facilitate disciplinary measures. "A thorough investigation will be conducted to explore potential criminal conspiracy involving DDA personnel and external parties, with appropriate actions to follow. LG has directed the vice-chairman of DDA to submit a detailed report on the inquiry and actions taken in response to these directives within seven days for review," said an official.
LG has directed DDA that similar stringent actions will be taken in case of any fresh encroachment or re-encroachment on its land, the statement added.
The stretch from Mayur Vihar Phase-I to NH-24 is crucial for the restoration and rejuvenation of the Yamuna floodplain, where DDA is currently implementing the Mayur Nature Park project.
In June 2024, a successful encroachment removal drive was conducted under the directives of Delhi High Court and National Green Tribunal, reclaiming approximately 390 hectares of land. This operation involved the removal of around 6,000 illegal structures, four illegal nurseries, the clearing of 250 hectares of illegal cultivation, and the dismantling of approximately 40 illegal borewells.
"Despite these extensive efforts, it was noted that officials permitted re-encroachments, raising serious concerns about potential collusion with external parties. Such negligence not only exposes the authority to severe criticism from courts and tribunals but also results in significant financial losses to the public exchequer," the statement pointed out.
TOI had reported on April 5 that over 12 lakh square metres of the Yamuna floodplain, spanning a 22km stretch from Wazirabad to Madanpur Khadar, have been encroached upon. DDA had informed NGT that the encroachments included jhuggis, govt offices, two towers near a CNG pump, temples, a gurdwara, a masjid and dargah peer, residential areas, gaushalas, akharas, workshops and Ladakh Budh Vihar monastery market.