Yamuna Floodplains Under Siege: NGT Directs MCD and DPCC to Take Swift Action Against Illegal Dairy Activities

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed disappointment and concern over the non-compliance of its earlier directives to remove illegal dairy activities from the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi. Despite its previous orders, the NGT has found that these illegal activities continue to plague the area, causing significant harm to the environment and the Yamuna River.

The situation came to light during recent inspections conducted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), which revealed the presence of temporary cattle shelters, fodder, and large quantities of cattle dung in the floodplain area. The inspections, which took place on June 15 and July 2, 2026, also found around 50-60 bovine animals grazing in the floodplains, with no owners or authorized representatives present.

The NGT has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to file an action taken report within six weeks, detailing the steps it has taken to remove these illegal dairy activities and prevent their recurrence. The Tribunal has also asked the DPCC to conduct a fresh assessment and submit a new report within the same period, taking into account the NGT's observations and concerns.

The issue of illegal dairy activities on the Yamuna floodplains is not new, and the NGT has been grappling with it for several years. In its order dated April 19, 2024, the Tribunal had directed the removal of all illegal dairy farms operating on the floodplains, citing the significant harm they were causing to the environment and the Yamuna River. However, despite this order, the problem persists, with cattle owners continuing to operate in the area and causing damage to the ecosystem.

The DPCC has informed the NGT that it has written to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), asking it to remove illegal encroachments and stray animals from the floodplain areas. The DDA, in turn, has carried out demolition drives against unauthorised dairies, but cattle owners have been bringing the animals back after the encroachments are removed or keeping them under nearby flyovers.

The NGT has observed that if cattle are being kept in violation of the Central Pollution Control Board's guidelines on the location of dairy farms, the DPCC should take appropriate action, including imposing environmental compensation on the violators wherever necessary. The Tribunal has also directed the MCD to impound cattle that are being kept in violation of these guidelines.

The matter will next be heard on September 25, 2026, and the NGT has made it clear that it expects swift and effective action to be taken by the MCD and DPCC to address the issue of illegal dairy activities on the Yamuna floodplains. The Tribunal's directives are a significant step towards protecting the environment and the Yamuna River, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to these orders.