Saving future

Saving future

Abhisht Kusum Gupta, a resident of Noida, has been actively involved in environmental advocacy, particularly concerning the protection and restoration of water bodies in Uttar Pradesh. In a significant legal action, he filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) highlighting the destruction and encroachment of wetlands and water bodies in District Gautam Buddha Nagar. The petition emphasized the need for rejuvenation, restoration, and improvement of the existing water bodies in the district and called for the removal of encroachments. In response, the NGT directed the concerned authorities to take appropriate steps to address these issues .​

Further, Gupta's efforts have led to the identification of 1,018 ponds in the district that are under threat due to encroachment and pollution. Pursuant to the directions issued by the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal, the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar has compiled the following tabulated status of ponds/water bodies within the district, based on the 1359 Fasli revenue records. The data includes the number of ponds, their original area, and the extent of encroachment, Tehsil-wise.

1. Tehsil-Wise Summary of Ponds and Encroachment

Tehsil No. of Ponds Original Area (ha) Encroached Area (ha)
Dadri 480 227.5292 16.9220
Sadar 245 111.2835 30.2558
Jewar 293 122.9980 2.8163
Total 1018 461.8107 49.9941

Note: Area figures have been derived from 1359 Fasli revenue records as directed. A detailed list including Gata Numbers, area (Rakwa), latitude/longitude, and encroachment status per pond is under preparation.

2. Observations

  • The total number of ponds in Gautam Buddha Nagar stands at 1018, spanning a cumulative area of 461.8107 hectares.

  • A total of 49.9941 hectares has been identified as encroached across all Tehsils.

  • The highest encroachment is recorded in Tehsil Sadar (30.2558 ha), followed by Dadri (16.9220 ha) and Jewar (2.8163 ha).

3. Compliance and Next Steps

  • The revenue department is currently working on tabulating Gata-wise data, including longitude and latitude coordinates for each pond/water body, in compliance with the NGT directive.

  • All measurements and area validations are being conducted using historical land records (1359 Fasli) and cross-referenced with current GIS maps.

  • Expected Timeline for Complete Removal of Encroachment: 6 months (district-wide action plan under preparation).

;