Delhi Metro gets NGT nod for bridge on Yamuna for Phase 4

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted permission to Delhi Metro to construct a bridge over the Yamuna flood plains under the Phase-IV of the project.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel while allowing the construction of the bridge, also imposed certain conditions.

The NGT said the construction should not cause any change in flow conditions or difficulty in the barrage upstream or Signature Bridge downstream.

The various other conditions that the tribunal imposed were -- activities should be carried out with minimum effect on the flood plains, restoration of the flood plain that may be impacted adversely or otherwise by the construction of bridge alignment in the Yamuna flood plain, the muck and debris generated should be disposed off scientifically and no dumping shall be allowed on the flood plains.

"We may also observe that to ensure further environmental safeguards for river Yamuna and its flood plains on account of such activities in future, besides individual evaluation of such projects on environmental yardstick, Cumulative Impact Assessment is required to be carried out. The Cumulative Impact Assessment would be able to capture holistic picture in terms of impact of such future developmental activities and the required mitigation measures," the NGT said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by DMRC seeking permission to construct a bridge on the Yamuna flood plains under Phase-IV of the DMRC project.

It further stated that the compensation of the trees to be cut during construction and operational phase of the project to be carried out by DMRC without fail.

The green Court also cautioned the DMRC that any failure in abiding by any conditions thereof will lead to withdrawal of permissions.IANS