28.4.22

Yamuna Revamp On Track


With the first phase of two out of 10 projects now complete and most of the remaining initiated, the redevelopment of the Yamuna riverfront is on the right track.

Lieutenant governor Anil Baijal reviewed the progress of the project with Delhi Development Authority vice chairman, senior officials, experts and other stakeholders and stressed upon completing the project on time. By rejuvenating and ecologically restoring the river, DDA is meticulously working to connect and bring people closer to it.

DDA has completed phase-I of the project “Asita East” — located on 90 hectares on the eastern bank of the river between Old Railway Bridge and ITO barrage, and Kalindi Aviral, located on 100 hectares land on the western bank between Nizamuddin Bridge and DND Flyway — and opened it to the public.

Being done on 1,476 hectares on the eastern and western banks at a cost of nearly Rs 800 crore, the rejuvenation project involves creation of new wetlands and waterbodies, restoration of old ones, construction of walkways, cycle tracks and eco trails, floodplain forests and grasslands, open congregational spaces and play area, redevelopment of ghats and construction of viewing platforms at several locations.

“The rejuvenation project has been on priority and is being closely monitored by the LG. “Many cities now have well-developed riverfronts and Delhi will also have one very soon. Since the project has started, several encroachments have been removed, garbage dumping has been stopped at various locations and groundwater has also started recharging,” said a senior official.

While appreciating the progress of the rejuvenation works undertaken so far, Baijal, in a series of tweets after the meeting, emphasised upon time-bound completion of landscaping and plantation in the area to restore wetlands and the riverine ecosystem.

The LG tweeted: “Advised VC DDA to take adequate steps for surveillance and security of the area besides provision of public facilities for the convenience of visitors. Necessary coordination should be effected with the education department to organise field visits of children to these areas to educate them about the significance of environment conservation and urban forestry. ”

An official said the project would go a long way in not only achieving the much-needed rejuvenation of the river, but also provide the city with citizen friendly green and aesthetic landscape. “For the restoration and rejuvenation of the Yamuna floodplain under the jurisdiction of UP irrigation department, the LG has advised the DDA VC to work in close coordination with the authorities concerned to ensure smooth execution of the project,” added the official.

Baijal also directed DDA to take necessary steps for adequate surveillance and security of the area to protect the land from encroachments in future.




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