Ghaziabad authority approves embankment plan for flood‑prone Hindon river stretch
Indiatimes February 20, 2026 08:40 PM
Ghaziabad’s civic planning authority has taken a significant step toward addressing recurring floods along the Hindon river by approving a proposal to acquire land for constructing protective embankments along the waterway. The move follows a series of flooding events during monsoon seasons in recent years, with particularly severe inundation reported in 2023, which highlighted vulnerabilities in existing flood management measures.
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) board unanimously passed the proposal during a meeting chaired by the Meerut divisional commissioner. Officials noted that the Hindon, which flows for about 58 km through the Ghaziabad district, currently has embankments along only a small portion of its course — less than 10 km — leaving large areas of its banks and surrounding floodplain exposed to overflow during heavy rains. Around 52 hectares of adjacent floodplain remain unprotected, making nearby communities and infrastructure susceptible to waterlogging and flood damage.
The proposed embankment project is intended not only to improve flood resilience but also to create a continuous stretch alongside the river that could help ease traffic congestion in the region. GDA officials have also discussed the potential for enhancing the riverfront with recreational and urban development, though details on design and timelines are yet to be finalized. Additional land acquisition beyond immediate flood protection needs may be pursued to support this broader vision.
The authority’s board meeting also approved a range of other urban planning decisions. These included the budget for the 2026–27 financial year, which forecasts expenditure of ₹3,287 crore and sets a revenue target of ₹3,496 crore, and in‑principle clearances for major projects such as the development of a new international cricket stadium and themed township. Part of these proposals aim to attract sporting events and related economic activity, though they have prompted discussions among stakeholders about priorities and impacts.
While the embankment plan addresses one dimension of flood mitigation, experts note that river management in rapidly urbanising regions often requires coordinated efforts across drainage, land use, and environmental planning. Flood events in North India have been linked with broader patterns of intense monsoon rainfall and landscape change, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies that balance development with resilience.
