Rejuvenation of Yamuna among non-negotiable priorites, says Delhi L-G

Delhi L-G emphasizes urgent rejuvenation of Yamuna and pollution control as top priorities during ghat inspections with the Chief Minister.

Delhi Lt. Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that the issue of Yamuna pollution, along with its rejuvenation are among the non-negotiable priorities of the city, during his visit to the Yamuna ghats with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday. He added that it should be addressed urgently “on mission mode” along with air pollution, flooding and water shortage.

After they carried out the joint inspection of the Vasudev Ghat, which is developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Yamuna Bazar Ghat, Mr. Sandhu said that the entire Yamuna floodplain in Delhi will be rejuvenated by the DDA on the lines of Vasudev Ghat, Asita Biodiversity Park and Baansera Park. “These restored ghats, which are bringing the people of Delhi closer to the river and fostering a sense of ownership and belonging towards the Yamuna, can serve as models to be replicated at other locations,” he said.

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During the inspection, the L-G and the CM also reviewed the development of ghats along the Yamuna, green zones, walking trails, biodiversity areas, and the deployment of modern machinery for cleaning operations. Progress of greenway development, kutcha walking and cycling tracks, plantation along the riverbanks, wetland restoration, and conservation of natural water channels was also assessed.

The CM said, that “Yamuna riverbanks would be developed into permanent and grand public assets, instead of incurring recurring expenditure on temporary ghats.” Officials also presented a detailed overview of floodplain restoration projects and phased development work from Wazirabad to Okhla. They were directed to accelerate wetland conservation and biodiversity park creation along the Yamuna.

The L-G instructed the DDA to undertake the rejuvenation of the entire stretch of floodplains in Delhi from Palla to Kalindi Kunj, in a time-bound manner with specific timelines and submit a presentation outlining the plan. He also directed all concerned departments, to work collectively and in seamless coordination.