Can Delhi and UP Collaborate to Halt Illegal Sand Mining in the Yamuna?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration is essential to address illegal sand mining.
- Illegal mining threatens ecological balance and community safety.
- The National Green Tribunal is advocating for regulatory measures.
- Joint enforcement can enhance effectiveness in curbing illegal activities.
- Communication between states is crucial for awareness and action.
New Delhi, July 7 (NationPress) Highlighting the ecological impact, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reached out to her Uttar Pradesh counterpart Yogi Adityanath on Monday through a letter, urging a collaborative effort to combat the illegal sand mining occurring in the floodplains of the Yamuna near their shared border.
In her correspondence, CM Gupta expressed that the ongoing illegal mining activities are compromising the integrity of the Yamuna embankments, thereby escalating the risk of floods for residents in Delhi who live adjacent to the riverbanks.
Furthermore, she informed the UP Chief Minister about the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) rising concerns regarding illegal sand extraction.
CM Gupta pointed out that this illicit mining poses significant ecological threats that could endanger the Yamuna and the safety of surrounding populations.
Stressing the need for a united approach, she noted that this issue transcends state boundaries and requires a joint enforcement mechanism between the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh governments to effectively combat illegal sand mining.
In her letter, she highlighted the NGT's persistent warnings about the detrimental effects of illegal sand mining and their recommendations for immediate regulatory actions and interstate collaboration.
CM Gupta expressed confidence that with CM Adityanath’s support, “we can devise a viable solution to this pressing issue.”
She proposed that the UP CM direct his officials to undertake a joint interstate demarcation to safeguard the ecological equilibrium of the area through coordinated administrative efforts.
Delhi officials have reported to the Chief Minister that they are in continuous dialogue with their counterparts in Uttar Pradesh, raising alarms about the escalating issue of illegal sand mining along the Yamuna River, particularly within the regions bordering both states.