Itanagar DM Bans Illegal Construction Along Rivers, Drainage Channels to Reduce Flood Risk

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ITANAGAR, July 3: 

In a major step aimed at preventing flash floods and safeguarding lives and property, the District Magistrate of Itanagar Capital Region, Toko Babu, APCS, has issued a prohibitory order banning all unauthorized construction and encroachment along riverbanks, natural nallahs, drainage channels, floodplains and other environmentally sensitive areas with immediate effect.

The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, cites the increasing instances of illegal residential, commercial and other developmental activities being carried out in violation of the approved Building Bye-Laws, the Itanagar Master Plan and other applicable laws.

According to the order, unauthorized constructions and encroachments have obstructed the natural flow of rivers and drainage channels, reducing their carrying capacity and significantly increasing the risk of flash floods, waterlogging, landslides, erosion and other disasters. 

The district administration stated that such activities pose an imminent threat to human life, public safety, public property and the environment.

The notification further refers to the Arunachal Pradesh Urban & Country Planning Act, 2007, which mandates that no person shall undertake any development or change the use of land without obtaining prior development permission from the competent planning authority. 

It also notes that the Arunachal Pradesh Building Bye-Laws, 2019, require all developments to conform to the approved Master Plan and prescribed planning regulations.

Invoking provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the District Magistrate said the administration is duty-bound to take preventive and mitigation measures to reduce disaster risks, particularly in view of recent incidents of flooding and the growing threat posed by indiscriminate construction along natural waterways.

Under the prohibitory order, the district administration has banned:

Any construction, reconstruction, extension, alteration, excavation, land filling or developmental activity on or adjacent to riverbanks, natural nallahs, drainage channels, floodplains or other vulnerable areas without prior approval from the competent authority.

Any encroachment, obstruction, diversion, narrowing or alteration of rivers, streams, natural nallahs, drainage channels or other watercourses.

Dumping of earth, construction debris, waste materials or any other substances into rivers, natural nallahs or drainage channels.

Continuation of any ongoing construction found to be in violation of the Building Bye-Laws, the Itanagar Master Plan or other statutory approvals.

The order directs the Superintendent of Police, Executive Magistrates, Administrative Officers and other enforcement agencies to strictly implement the directive by immediately stopping unauthorized construction activities, removing encroachments and initiating legal proceedings against violators.

The District Magistrate warned that any person found violating the prohibitory order will be liable for prosecution under the relevant provisions of law.

The order came into force immediately upon its issuance on July 3, 2026, and has been circulated to senior government officials, the police, Itanagar Municipal Corporation, Urban Affairs Department, Forest Department and other concerned authorities for strict compliance.

Location: Itanagar 791111

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