Uttar Pradesh completes Ganga floodplain demarcation across 700 km to curb encroachments

Key facts

• The Uttar Pradesh Irrigation and Water Resource Department completed the physical demarcation of the Ganga river floodplain zone across a 700 km stretch from Unnao to Ballia.
• The demarcation was completed across all 13 concerned districts by installing 7,350 pillars.
• The state informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) of the completion through an affidavit filed by the Chief Engineer on August 22, 2026.
• The physical demarcation is intended to help authorities monitor and prevent unauthorised activities, encroachments and constructions in the floodplain zone.
• The demarcation is a step towards achieving the objectives of the river Ganga Authorities Order, 2016 and NGT directions.
• Floodplain zone delineation has been completed for tributaries including the Yamuna, Ramganga, Betwa, Suvav, Tedhi, Budhi Ganga, Solani and Khokhri.
• Delineation remains in progress for several other tributaries, including the Kali, Varuna, Hindon, Pandu, Noon, Sengur, Assi, Ishan and Krishni.
• The state set a deadline of March 31, 2027 to complete delineation for the Gomti, Ghaghra and Rapti rivers.