Environmental Protection and Developmental Interests: A Case Study of the River Yamuna and the Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010

Gill, Gita (2014) Environmental Protection and Developmental Interests: A Case Study of the River Yamuna and the Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010. International Journal of Law in the Built Environment, 6 (1/2). pp. 69-90. ISSN 1756-1469

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Abstract

Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study of a global challenge: the relationship between commercial development and the protection of eco-fragile systems particularly where river water is involved. It reviews and critiques the legal and political processes that underpinned the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2010 in Delhi and the building of the accommodation Village on the floodplain of the river Yamuna.

Design/methodology/approach:
The paper covers the controversial modern history of the Yamuna river that runs through Delhi. The river is “dead” and has been subject to litigation concerning its usage and that of its flood plain. In particular, the controversy peaked prior to the CWG 2010 in Delhi and the required buildings associated with the games. The paper traces the history of the legal actions and the inter-related involvement of the various actors being the politicians, construction developers, the river bank dwellers and the local environmentalists. Close analysis is made of the statutory administrative procedures required for environmental clearance, the subsequent case law both in the High Court of Delhi and the Supreme Court of India. Additionally, usage is made of the media and its concerns over corrupt and negligent practices.

Findings:
The Indian judiciary in their willingness to promote the construction of the Village failed to apply its own environmental jurisprudence. There was a failure to “lift the veil” and review flawed administrative practices that violated governing statutes. National pride, time pressures, political support, economic interests and rapid urbanisation created a pressure that the courts could not challenge. It was left to investigative committees, after the Games had concluded, to expose these wrongdoings.

Originality/value:
The paper highlights the issue of the relationship of the courts and political and economic interests and how legally protected ecological interests are ignored.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Case law analysis, Environmental protection, Commonwealth Games 2010, Developmental interests, Indian judiciary, Politics and law
Subjects:	M900 Other in Law
Department:	Faculties > Business and Law > Northumbria Law School
Depositing User:	Users 6424 not found.
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2013 10:04
Last Modified:	04 Jan 2023 16:08
URI:	https://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/14360

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