The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has observed that its earlier directions to remove illegal dairy farms and encroachments from the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi have not been fully complied with, after inspection reports revealed the continued presence of temporary cattle shelters, heaps of cattle dung and around 50–60 bovine animals grazing in the ecologically sensitive area.
A Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member) was hearing an execution application seeking compliance with its April 19, 2024 order directing authorities to remove illegal dairy activities from the Yamuna floodplains.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) informed the Tribunal that while no permanent dairy structures were found during inspections in June and July 2026, several temporary cattle shelters, fodder, cattle dung and grazing animals were still present in the floodplain areas near Mayur Vihar and New Friends Colony.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) submitted that despite demolition drives, encroachers continued to bring cattle back to the area and urged the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s Animal Husbandry Department to impound the animals. The Tribunal observed that where cattle are kept in violation of the CPCB’s siting criteria, the DPCC should take appropriate action, including the imposition of environmental compensation on violators.
Granting four weeks’ time to the MCD to take appropriate action, the Tribunal directed the MCD to file an Action Taken Report within six weeks. It also directed the DPCC to submit a fresh status report addressing the continued violations. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 25 September 2026.