New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor TS Sandhu reviewed the progress of the Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) Yamuna rejuvenation programme, which is 23% complete according to official estimates. The LG directed officials to expedite projects related to the floodplain after being informed during a review last week that restoration and riverfront development had been completed on nearly 1,700 hectares of the 9,700-hectare floodplain. The DDA's current task is to restore and rejuvenate 7,362 hectares of the floodplain.
Progress and Achievements
The latest official estimate shows that about 23% of the floodplain has been restored. Around 88,574 metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste and 4,998 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste have been removed to mitigate flooding during the monsoon. Nearly 1,425 acres have been reclaimed, restored, and secured from encroachment.
Wetlands Development
Officials reported that 35 wetlands with a cumulative water holding capacity of nearly 1,420 million litres have been developed along the river corridor. “These wetlands are expected to strengthen groundwater recharge, enhance biodiversity, and improve the floodplain’s natural capacity to absorb and moderate flood impacts,” an official said.
Plantation and Ecological Sites
The restoration included planting over 7 lakh native trees and more than 10 million riverine grasses and wetland species. The LG also reviewed progress at several ecological destinations along the river corridor, including Asita, Baansera, Amrut Biodiversity Park, Yamuna Vanasthali, Kalindi Aviral, and Yamuna Vatika.
Revival of Historic Ghats
In the meeting, the LG emphasized the revival of 32 historic ghats along the Yamuna Bazar stretch. Officials informed the LG that the Yamuna Bazar revitalization project is being advanced in coordination with multiple agencies. He directed departments to expedite approvals and complete preparatory activities to enable phased commencement of restoration and redevelopment within the next six months.
