The Delhi High Court has deemed the presence of residential colonies in Zone ‘O’ of the Yamuna floodplains as completely impermissible. It directed the Centre to urgently decide the fate of 91 unauthorized colonies accommodating around 5 to 6 lakh residents in this ecologically sensitive area. The Court emphasized that no new construction should be allowed in Zone ‘O’, a part of the Yamuna floodplains.
The Division Bench, led by Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, highlighted the environmental concerns associated with residential colonies in Zone ‘O’. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) was instructed to present its decision on these colonies at the next hearing. The Court expressed its view that any residential presence in Zone ‘O’ would not be conducive to the environment or the river bed area.
The Court was addressing a petition concerning unauthorized constructions and encroachments in Zone ‘O’. It had previously noted extensive illegal construction activities in the area and uncertainties regarding the legal status of the colonies under Delhi Laws. The MoHUA’s Additional Secretary, D. Thara, virtually clarified the Centre’s stance during the hearing.
The MoHUA official informed the Court that while 1,511 unauthorized colonies in Delhi were notified for regularization, those in Zone ‘O’ were excluded. However, temporary protection from punitive action under the Special Provisions Act would continue for Zone ‘O’ colonies until December 31, 2026. The MoHUA emphasized that no ownership rights were being granted to residents in Zone ‘O’ and the Yamuna floodplain areas.
