Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling for immediate measures to stop illegal sand mining along the Yamuna River near the Delhi-UP border. In her letter, Ms. Gupta highlighted the detrimental effects of these activities, which are weakening river embankments and heightening the risk of flooding in Delhi. The unchecked extraction of sand is not only a flood hazard but also inflicts long-term ecological harm. She referenced the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) repeated warnings about the environmental threats posed by unregulated mining along the river.

The NGT has consistently identified illegal sand mining as a significant environmental concern, emphasizing the need for urgent regulatory action to prevent further damage. Ms. Gupta also expressed worries about the adverse impact on local communities residing near the river, who are directly affected by alterations in river flow and degradation of the riverbed. These mining activities disrupt the natural course of the river, contributing to erosion and ecological imbalance.

Ms. Gupta described this as an inter-state issue that requires joint enforcement efforts. She proposed coordinated action between the Delhi and UP governments, including a joint demarcation of jurisdiction along the river to clarify enforcement responsibilities. The lack of clear boundaries has complicated monitoring and enforcement, allowing illegal operations to persist unchecked.

The Delhi government is advocating for a collaborative approach, with Ms. Gupta urging UP to initiate administrative coordination to tackle this issue effectively. Her letter follows numerous reports of ongoing sand mining along the Yamuna River despite existing restrictions and previous warnings from environmental authorities.