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NHAI Highway Built Over Delhi Wetland
13 Feb
Summary
- Land for NHAI's elevated road was officially a protected waterbody.
- Delhi Wetland Authority reported construction on pond land is prohibited.
- NGT ordered revival of the Goyla Khurd village waterbody.
The Delhi Wetland Authority has officially notified the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that the land utilized by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for an elevated road in Goyla Khurd village, south-west Delhi, is a recorded waterbody. Construction on designated wetlands is impermissible, according to the authority's submission dated February 11, 2026.
The authority emphasized that the waterbody is an ecologically significant asset requiring protection from encroachment and degradation. The DDA, as the land-owning agency, is responsible for its safeguarding. The NHAI completed its flyover construction and informed the district magistrate about returning the land, but received no response.
Consequently, the NGT has directed the district magistrate (south-west) to collaborate with the gram sabha and DDA to reclaim the land and initiate the waterbody's revival. An action plan is mandated within one month of possession. The report also highlighted sewage inflow into the waterbody, necessitating immediate intervention.
