proposed integrated complex for delhi judicial academy

Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (REIA) Study for Proposed Integrated Complex for Delhi Judicial Academy,
National Law School, and National Institute for Mediation & Conciliation at Dwarka, New Delhi
4. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
4.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the existing environmental characteristics of the project area. Before start of
any EIA study, it is necessary to identify the baseline levels of relevant environmental parameters
which are likely to be affected as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed project.
The baseline status of various environmental attributes at the micro and macro levels determines
the existing environmental quality of the project area and serves as the basis for identification and
prediction of impacts. The environmental quality of the project area is assessed through both field
studies and secondary sources within the environmental impact zone for various components of
environment, viz. Air, Noise, Water, Biological, Land and Socio-economic. The baseline
environmental status for the summer season 2006 in the present REIA study has been assessed
within core (local and immediate vicinity) and buffer (within 10 km radius) zone from the proposed
project construction site. The summary of data collected from various sources as a part of the REIA
study is outlined in Table 4.1.
4.2 Physiography
Physiographically, the NCT of Delhi has two distinct natural features - "the ridge", which is the
rocky outcrop of Aravalli Hills and the "River Yamuna", which flows in eastern side of Delhi and
flows in southern direction. Further, the distinct physiographic units of NCT of Delhi are:
• Old flood plain (old Khadar) and Recent flood plain (new Khadar) of Yamuna River
• Upper Alluvial plain (Bangar)
• The quartzite ridge (Kohi)
• The nearly closed alluvial basin of chattarpur in South Delhi
Figure 4.1 shows the physiographic regions map of Delhi. Delhi sprawls over 1483-sq km between
latitude 28 0 34’ N and a longitude of 77 0 07’ E. The average elevation of Delhi plain is 198 m to 200
m above the mean sea level (amsl).
The ridge, however has a higher elevation going upto 250 m above mean sea level (amsl) and is
about 15 to 20 m above the surrounding plains. The Shahdara area drains from East to West into
Yamuna River. Similarly Delhi and New Delhi areas also drain in Yamuna River through various
drains such as Najafgarh drain. Many small watercourses intersect the terrain causing a variation in
relief. However, the average gradient of terrain is gentle, in the order of 1 to 3 m per km.
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