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The National Green Tribunal has issued notices to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the concerned district magistrate over allegations of unauthorised construction on the Yamuna floodplain in Majnu ka Tila. Acting on a petition filed by a local resident, the tribunal has asked authorities to clarify whether the construction falls within the prohibited floodplain zone and identify those responsible. Officials have been directed to file affidavits before the matter is taken up for further hearing scheduled in April.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought detailed replies from multiple Delhi authorities following allegations of unauthorised construction on the Yamuna River's floodplain. The matter stems from a petition filed by a resident of Wazirabad village, who has raised concerns over a multi-storeyed structure reportedly being built in the Majnu ka Tila area, which is considered environmentally sensitive and subject to strict development restrictions. Advertisement
The tribunal has issued notices to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the concerned district magistrate, directing them to submit their responses through affidavits. The bench, headed by NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava along with expert member Dr A Senthil Vel, observed that the allegations raise serious questions related to environmental compliance and land-use norms.
As part of its directions, the tribunal has asked the district magistrate to verify whether the construction site falls within the Yamuna floodplain and to provide details of the individual or agency responsible for the project. The authorities have also been asked to clarify whether any approvals were granted and whether the construction violates existing regulations governing floodplain areas.
Floodplains along the Yamuna are categorised under restricted zones in Delhi's planning framework, primarily to protect the river's ecology and reduce flood-related risks. Construction in such zones has remained a recurring concern, with courts and environmental bodies repeatedly intervening in cases where unauthorised development threatens ecological balance.
The tribunal has listed the matter for further consideration in April, after reviewing the responses filed by the concerned departments.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. How much property tax has the Thane Municipal Corporation collected so far this year?
The Thane Municipal Corporation has collected INR 556.19 crore in property tax during the current financial year. This figure is significantly lower than the civic body's target of INR 841 crore, leaving a shortfall of more than INR 280 crore. The gap has raised concerns within the administration, as property tax is one of the main revenue sources used to fund essential civic services and infrastructure projects across the city.
Q2. Which wards have contributed the most to property tax collections?
Ward-level data shows that collections have been uneven across Thane. The Majiwada Manpada ward emerged as the highest contributor, with collections of around INR 175 crore. This was followed by Vartak Nagar, which collected approximately INR 88.7 crore, and Naupada Kopri, with about INR 74.1 crore. Other wards have reported lower figures, which has contributed to the overall revenue shortfall.
Q3. Why has the civic body fallen short of its property tax target?
Officials have attributed the shortfall to delayed payments and persistent defaults by property owners, despite multiple reminders. While some taxpayers tend to delay payments until the end of the financial year, a section of defaulters has continued to avoid clearing dues. This pattern has affected timely revenue inflows, forcing the corporation to adopt stronger recovery measures to meet its financial commitments.
Q4. What action is TMC taking against residential property tax defaulters?
The civic administration has started disconnecting water supply to residential properties that have not paid their outstanding property tax despite repeated notices. This step is being used as a deterrent to encourage compliance and prompt payment. Officials said such measures are necessary to ensure fairness, as continued defaults place an additional burden on compliant taxpayers.
Q5. How is TMC dealing with non-residential and commercial defaulters?
For commercial and other non-residential properties, the corporation has initiated stricter recovery actions such as attachment and seizure of properties. These steps are aimed at ensuring that large defaulters clear their dues promptly. The civic body has indicated that such enforcement will continue until there is a visible improvement in collections.
Q6. Is the corporation taking any steps to make it easier for citizens to pay property tax?
Alongside enforcement, TMC is planning to organise special property tax payment camps in large housing societies. These camps are intended to make the payment process more convenient for residents and encourage voluntary compliance. In the past, the corporation has used a mix of incentives, penalties, and doorstep collection drives, but officials say stronger action is unavoidable this year due to continued delays and defaults.
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