- Illegal Colonies Sprout Up Along Banks of Yamuna River, Mathura Ranks High in Illegal Construction
2023.03.19 (Vrindavan Today News): In a concerning development, recent reports are suggesting that there has been a significant increase in illegal colonies springing up on the Yamuna Flood Plain, stretching from Koyla – Alipore village near Mathura Refinery to Vrindavan, with a reported only 152 houses being built illegally on this stretch.
The reality is that the situation regarding illegal construction and the encroachments in Mathura is much worse than what has been officially reported. While Mathura has been ranked 12th in the state for illegal construction based on the action taken by the development authority against illegal constructions, the reality is that the situation is much more dire.
Despite the directions from the National Green Tribunal, Allahabad High Court and even Supreme Court the authorities have failed to prevent the encroachment on the Yamuna Flood Plain. The failure to protect the flood plain area reveals the connivance between the authorities and the mafias in the Mathura.
Illegal colonies have been springing up not just on the Yamuna Flood Plain but also in the outskirts of the city. The Flood plain is littered with illegal constructions, with over 30 colonies established in the last 15 years, according to reports. However, the number of illegal constructions is believed to be significantly higher, as many constructions are not reported and go unchecked. The situation is so serious that in some places people have encroached upon a portion of the river bed.
During the rainy season, these illegal colonies, located just a few steps away from the Yamuna, experience severe disturbances. However, outside of the rainy season, officials from the Irrigation Department and Development Authority have been slow to take any action on the illegal construction.
Despite their illegal status, these colonies have been provided with all basic amenities such as water, electricity, roads, and sewer lines by various civic bodies, including the Electricity Corporation, Water Corporation, DUDA, Municipal Corporation, and Development Authority. Additionally, reports have surfaced about the construction of temples, mosques, schools, and colleges in this area.
Furthermore, the registry office’s silence on the sale of farmland based on per square feet and MVDA officials’ refusal to comment on the illegal construction has exacerbated the situation.
The construction of these illegal colonies is not only damaging Yamuna, but also poses a threat to the safety and well-being of the people living in these areas. It remains to be seen what actions will be taken by the authorities to address this issue and protect the Yamuna and its surrounding areas from further damage.
