Noida DM orders crackdown on floodplain encroachments ahead of monsoon

Noida: With monsoon approaching, district magistrate Medha Roopam has directed administrative officials and police to crack down on unauthorised construction on floodplains, warning that encroachments pose serious risks during floods.

Chairing a review meeting of the district flood committee on Tuesday, the DM said strict action must be taken against any construction activity in violation of norms, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding along the Yamuna.

“I have instructed officials of Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna authorities to initiate proceedings under Section 10 of the UP Industrial Area Development Act, 1976, against encroachments on govt land in notified zones and against activities on leased land that could endanger human life,” she said.

However, the DM expressed displeasure over the absence of senior officials of the authorities in the meeting. “The development authorities have been lax in enforcement so far. Moreover, the absence of additional CEOs of the three authorities during the flood committee meeting is unacceptable,” she said.

Police were specifically asked to identify and act against individuals or entities carrying out unauthorised construction in flood-prone areas. The DM stressed that preventing such violations is critical to reducing damage.

The directions came as part of a wider review of flood preparedness in the district. Based on inputs from the irrigation department, several villages and low-lying areas along Yamuna have been identified as vulnerable to flooding.

She directed all departments to submit detailed, time-bound action plans to the District Disaster Management Authority. “Early warning systems should be strengthened, timely inspection and repair of embankments should be done, flood relief posts should be set up and officials should ensure proper drainage through regular cleaning of drains across the district,” she said.

Departments were also asked to prepare evacuation strategies and ensure availability of essential relief supplies. Health teams will deploy rapid response units at relief camps, while veterinary officials have been tasked with mapping cow shelters in vulnerable areas and stocking up on fodder.

The public works department has been directed to inspect and repair roads in flood-prone zones, while the electricity department has been told to arrange alternative power supply systems. “Officials have also been told to report any shortage in resources on time so that they can be procured well in advance,” she said.