Illegal Farmhouses on Yamuna Floodplains: A Case of Corruption and Environmental Damage

Nestled among the green fields along the Yamuna in Noida sector 135, numerous farmhouses have been built evoking a glimpse of rustic countryside setting where brokers lure buyers with attractive offers, assuring them this is the best deal and won’t find such deals anywhere else in NCR. 

These farmhouses built on the land originally meant for agricultural purposes notified by Noida Authority are owned by judges, politicians and other powerful people of Delhi. Despite periodic demolition efforts by the authorities, construction in this ecologically sensitive zone continues unabated. Property dealers continue to sell these lands at cheaper rates and a black market for these farmhouses is growing. Every network involved in running this hidden market has an excuse for their inaction, and there’s a silent agreement among officials that helps these farmhouses continue to expand.

Gautam Buddha Nagar DM Manish Kumar Verma labelled the farmhouses as “illegal construction on the floodplains.”
We have sent legal notices, however, proper demolitions are not possible at the moment. Since the problem is old, we have to take into account all the factors, including social and economic. We are approaching the problem in a systematic manner" he said.

The Underlying Issue

Structures built on land meant for farming, represent illegal activities in the area. Also these constructions obstruct river flow, contributing to severe flood and pollution leading to significant environmental impact. Environmentalists have pointed out that sewage and solid waste from the farmhouses are discharged directly into the Yamuna River, mixing with river water and causing damage to properties.

However in May 2024, the owners of about 50 farmhouses approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) asking for compensation for the damages done by 2023 floods to their properties. Gautam Buddha Nagar DM Manish Kumar Verma cites that the administration is not going to provide compensation for the illegal construction on the Yamuna flood plains. 

The Noida Authority has been criticized for its inconsistent handling of illegal farmhouses. While brokers were promising official land registries to buyers, the Authority has halted these registrations. Dr. Lokesh M, CEO of the Noida Authority, explained that in October 2020, the district disaster management committee issued a regulation to control the sale and purchase of unauthorized buildings and land on the Yamuna and Hindon river floodplains.

These farmhouses began appearing in the late 1990s during the Mayawati government, with villagers selling land along the river to brokers, who marketed it as countryside retreats for wealthy buyers from Delhi. 

Environmentalist and advocate Akash Vashishtha, based in Ghaziabad, is actively challenging illegal constructions on the Yamuna floodplains. He cites the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order 2016, which prohibits any structures on the riverbanks and floodplains, noting that the Yamuna is a Ganga tributary.) Vashishtha's 2013 petition led to an NGT order for demolitions of illegal structures, but he reports minimal follow-up action.

Farmhouses in Sector 135, once agricultural land, are now densely packed and often used for lavish parties, including illegal rave events. Vashishtha, who is an expert on the District Ganga Committee, continues to raise concerns at monthly meetings. The District Magistrate has recently instructed officials to monitor and address encroachments and to cut off electricity to these structures.

District Ganga Committees, part of the National Mission for Cleaning Ganga (NMCG), were established in 2016 to manage and control pollution in the Ganga River and its tributaries. These committees, which include officials from various departments, frequently discuss partial demolitions of illegal structures. Dr. Lokesh M from the Noida Authority confirms that all constructions on the Yamuna floodplains are illegal, and while earlier registries were issued, these have now been stopped.

In Noida Sector 135, there's a notice about ongoing legal issues with illegal farmhouses on Yamuna floodplains. Advocate Ashwarya Sinha represents the owners in court, challenging orders to demolish the buildings. The court stopped the demolitions until the owners could respond.

“But our representations went unanswered for a year and the protection against the demolition continued,” recalled Sinha. 

Sinha argues that the Noida Authority didn’t clearly define floodplain areas, that the farmhouses are temporary and built on agricultural land, and that the land was properly registered and had stamp duty paid.

The Current Scenario

Farmhouse owner Manoj Mittal, who has approvals from 2008, and other owners want compensation for flood damage from 2023. They claim their properties are legal since they have the necessary permissions. The issue is complicated by past land use problems, including encroachments and unclear regulations, such as those involving land once used by the Indian Air Force.

In the sector, the area looks well-managed with wide roads, streetlights, and solar panels, but it's actually controversial. Farmhouses here are considered illegal by the administration, but it feels like there's an unofficial system run by brokers who manage everything.

Residents say brokers build roads and get property registrations through dubious means. Even though the District Magistrate (DM) says the constructions are illegal and can’t be supported, the buildings continue to go up. Owners get around the lack of official services by digging their own wells and installing solar panels.

Illegal electricity connections have been found, despite a government order from 2021 banning new connections on floodplains. The issue is complex, with disputes about who built the roads and strong influence from local land mafias.

In conclusion, to resolve the ongoing issue of illegal farmhouse constructions in Noida, the authorities need to implement strict regulations addressing black marketing and ensuring environmental protection. Legal and administrative measures must align to prevent further ecological damage and uphold the law. The Noida Authority is expected to take action soon, possibly with a more forceful officer in charge.