The Delhi government’s plan to introduce boating on the Yamuna River has sparked criticism from environmentalists, who warn that it could further degrade the city’s already fragile water supply. Experts argue that instead of prioritising pollution control and sewage treatment, authorities are pushing a project that risks worsening contamination, increasing bank erosion, and disrupting the river’s ecosystem.
However, urban planners suggest that with the right measures—such as improved sewage treatment and eco-friendly boats—the initiative could be both viable and beneficial for tourism and conservation awareness.
Government’s perspective
A senior official from Delhi Tourism told Patriot that the plan is entirely feasible and will not contribute to pollution in the Yamuna River.
“Motorised boats typically require a water depth of 3-9 feet to operate. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will ensure that an appropriate water level is maintained along the 4-kilometre Sonia Vihar–Jagatpur stretch, where the first phase of water tourism will be introduced,” the government functionary said, pointing out that nearly 3-9 feet of water is needed to run the motorised boat in any river.
Following an inspection of the entire four-kilometre stretch, officials concluded that the project is feasible.
“The departments involved in the project are drafting guidelines to ensure cleanliness in the Yamuna while promoting water tourism in the capital,” the official added.
Addressing concerns about environmental damage, officials pointed out that several locations in India already have established water tourism, including Goa, the Andaman Islands, Kerala Backwaters, Rishikesh, the Sundarbans, and Lakshadweep.
“As far as pollution from boats is concerned, only solar-powered boats will be used in this project, ensuring no pollutants enter the Yamuna. Additionally, strict guidelines will be enforced to prevent littering by visitors,” they stated.
Urban planner’s perspective
Delhi-based town planner Pushkar Pawar noted that operating motorboats on the heavily polluted Yamuna could be feasible, but only if significant efforts are made to address environmental concerns.
“The river suffers from untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and plastic waste, damaging both water quality and aquatic life. Targeted interventions—such as upgrading sewage treatment plants, enforcing stricter industrial waste regulations, and conducting regular clean-up drives—could help make the water safer for boating and the environment,” Pawar said.
“Switching to eco-friendly alternatives, such as electric or hybrid motorboats, could further reduce emissions and minimise pollution. Traditional fuel-powered boats contribute to air and water contamination, whereas cleaner technologies would make the project more sustainable,” he added.
Despite environmental concerns, proponents argue that boating on the Yamuna could promote eco-tourism, provide recreational opportunities, and boost awareness about river conservation. “With proper infrastructure—such as docking stations, waste disposal systems, and maintenance facilities—the initiative could stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and supporting tourism-related businesses,” Pawar asserted.
“Moreover, visible activity on the river could serve as a reminder of the urgent need for clean-up efforts, encouraging greater community participation and holding authorities accountable for pollution control. If executed responsibly, the initiative could strike a balance between recreation and conservation, fostering a more sustainable relationship between the city and its river,” he added.
Environmentalists’ concerns
The announcement of boating on the Yamuna has raised serious concerns among environmentalists, who strongly oppose the move. They argue that instead of investing hundreds of crores in promoting water tourism, the government should prioritise upgrading sewage treatment plants (STPs) to clean the river.
Varun Gulati, an environmentalist, said, “This stretch of the Yamuna is one of the last remaining sources of relatively clean water for Delhi, and any disruption to its ecosystem will have devastating consequences on the already deteriorating water quality.”
Slamming the government for neglecting essential river-cleaning measures, he stated, “Instead of focusing on sustainable efforts to restore the river’s health, the government is prioritising a project that will only worsen pollution levels and further jeopardise the city’s drinking water supply.”
Experts have long emphasised the urgent need to upgrade STPs and clean the drains that spew untreated wastewater into the river.
“The real challenge facing the Yamuna is the unchecked flow of pollutants, industrial waste, and sewage,” Gulati said.
“Rather than allocating funds to address these critical issues, the government is spending crores to introduce boating—a move that will only add to the river’s contamination. The movement of motorised boats will generate vibrations strong enough to disturb the delicate riverbanks, accelerating erosion and further destabilising the ecosystem,” he added.
“The fragile ecology of the Yamuna is already under immense stress due to unchecked urbanisation, and such an ill-conceived plan will only push it closer to an irreversible crisis,” he warned.
Environmentalists have consistently argued that short-term economic gains must not come at the cost of long-term ecological destruction.
“The Yamuna is a lifeline for millions of people in Delhi, and instead of protecting it, the government is risking its further deterioration with poorly thought-out policies. If authorities are genuinely committed to reviving the Yamuna, their focus should be on curbing pollution, modernising STPs, stopping illegal encroachments, and strictly regulating industrial discharge. Restoring the river’s health requires a scientific and holistic approach, not superficial projects that provide a temporary sense of development at the expense of the environment,” Gulati added.
Departments involved
Five departments from the Central and Delhi governments have signed an agreement to introduce boat tourism and ferry services on the Yamuna. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a cooperative framework among the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), the Irrigation and Flood Control Department of Delhi, and Delhi Tourism.
The IWAI will lead the development of Inland Water Transport (IWT) along a 22-km stretch of the Yamuna from Sonia Vihar to Jagatpur. This includes building vessel berthing jetties with shore facilities, deploying non-polluting or hybrid boats with a seating capacity of 20-30 passengers, installing navigational aids, and setting up a charging station. The IWAI will also oversee passenger safety, fire-fighting measures, and emergency response systems.
The DDA will provide land for shore-side facilities, ensure last-mile connectivity for passengers, and arrange essential public services such as electricity, drinking water, and restrooms. The DJB will monitor water quality, regulate permissible activities, and manage barrages to maintain navigable depth.
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The Irrigation and Flood Control Department will be responsible for embankment maintenance, granting access to berthing facilities, and ensuring safety procedures are followed.
Meanwhile, Delhi Tourism will handle the procurement, operation, and maintenance of hybrid electric boats and oversee vessel operators.
Delhi LG and CM’s proposal
Terming it a major step towards decongesting Delhi’s roads and providing a better travel option for residents, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta claimed that the initiative would give Delhi a fresh and modern identity, focusing on cleanliness, beautification, and development.
Saxena announced that the boat tourism facility will be expanded in the coming days, aiming to ease road congestion and integrate river, road, and metro transportation. The government will also explore a public-private partnership (PPP) model to develop the project further.
Gupta emphasised that the initiative would revitalise the Yamuna and provide Delhi with a more modern and sustainable identity. She criticised the previous government for creating obstacles but noted that the people of Delhi had rejected them, paving the way for progress.
To ensure sustainability, the government plans to introduce eco-friendly electric-solar hybrid boats, promoting cleaner and more efficient travel on the Yamuna.
Echoes of the past
The Yamuna River was once a hub of entertainment and recreation for everyone, from emperors to ordinary citizens. It is said that Shah Jahan enjoyed leisurely boat rides here.
Delhi-based author Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi recalls a time when Delhiites would dive from the ghats of the Yamuna, competing in swimming races and rowing boats with oars and bamboo poles.
Before the construction of the Yamuna Bridge, travellers from Kolkata and Lahore arrived in Delhi via the river. Mirza Ghalib’s journeys to Banaras and Kolkata likely included boat travel along the Yamuna, offering a glimpse into Delhi’s rich past.
