Submission on behalf of Municipal Corporation of Gurugram on concretization of the KOSHT-Badshahpur drain, Haryana, 10/02/2021
Submission on behalf of Municipal Corporation of Gurugram in the matter of Vaishali Rana Chandra & Others Vs Union of India & Others dated 10/02/2021.
The matter related to allegations of Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) permitting the concretization of the KOSHT-Badshahpur Drain and its ecologically fragile flood plain/buffer zone by the Haryana Shahri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), Town and Country Planning Department and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). Around 18 km of the total 29 km stretch of the Badshahpur drain has been concretised by the HSVP. Further, on 6 km of the already concretised KOSHT-Badshahpur drain, the MCG has approved the construction of a recreation hub.
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram informed the NGT that the concretised Badshahpur drain covered with debris and mud was having a filthy look and thus to protect the area from encroachment and to give aesthetic look, the MCG planned to create a rich green space with facilities like jogging, walking, cycle track on the 6 km stretch.
An NGO 'I am Gurgaon' has been entrusted with the 4.5 km stretch to increase the biodiversity and improve the livability of the city - it would be designed as a green cover with pedestrian and cycling trails for movement only on the existing box drain.
No concretization was being done by the MCG. Infact, project in question was being carried out to avoid dumping of waste (C&D and solid waste) and encroachment over the already concretised drain. Further, steps had been taken to increase the groundwater recharge capacity in the open space/green belt alongside the Badshahpur drain. This was done by channelizing storm water into numerous shallow recharge pits and shallow water holding zones.