Delhi High Court Orders DMRC to Cease Operations in Yamuna Floodplain by 2026

The Delhi High Court has ruled that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation must stop all operations in the Yamuna floodplain by March 31, 2026. This decision follows concerns over DMRC's continued use of the area for a batching plant and casting yard, despite previous directives to vacate. The court has mandated that DMRC restore the area to its original state after ceasing operations. The ruling emphasizes the importance of clearing debris before the area is handed over to the Delhi Development Authority, with a compliance report due by April 10. This decision highlights the court's commitment to environmental preservation and infrastructure management.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 12:44 IST

Court Ruling on DMRC Operations

The Delhi High Court has mandated that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) must refrain from utilizing the Yamuna floodplain after March 31, 2026. This decision was made by a bench comprising Justice Pratibha M. Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, during a hearing regarding a petition that highlighted DMRC's operation of a batching plant and casting yard in the floodplain, despite clear directives to vacate the area by December 11.

In an order dated December 22, the court expressed astonishment at the lack of action taken by DMRC regarding the removal of its batching plant and casting yard. The bench noted that DMRC had approached the court seeking additional time for compliance.

The court deemed it reasonable to grant an extension until March 31, 2026, for the removal of machinery, equipment, and the batching plant and casting yard, considering DMRC's involvement in significant infrastructure projects and associated development activities in Delhi.

The court specified that starting April 1, DMRC is prohibited from using any part of the floodplain for its operations. The order stipulates that after ceasing operations and removing equipment, DMRC must consult with the horticulture and forest departments to ensure that the area is left open, free of debris, and restored to its original condition.

Furthermore, the bench emphasized that all debris must be completely cleared from the floodplain before it is handed over to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The court has instructed the DDA to submit a compliance report by April 10.