Delhi LG directs DDA to begin revival work of 32 historic ghats along the Yamuna river

Delhi Lt Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed the DDA for revival of 32 historic ghats along the Yamuna at Yamuna Bazar area in north Delhi, and to start work on it in a phased manner within six months, officials said on Monday.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has so far removed 88,574 metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste and 4,998 metric tonnes of municipal waste from the Yamuna floodplains, and reclaimed around 1,425 acres of floodplain land, Sandhu was informed in a recent review meeting.

He was also informed by DDA officials about the restoration and riverfront development works completed across nearly 1,700 hectares of the Yamuna floodplains.

The LG directed fast-tracking projects and charted out a roadmap for revival of the 32 Ghats at Yamuna Bazar, Lok Niwas, officials said.

The Yamuna Bazar revitalisation project is being taken forward in coordination with the agencies concerned, they said.

Sandhu directed officials to expedite approvals and complete all preparatory activities to enable phased commencement of restoration and redevelopment works within the next six months, while ensuring strict adherence to timelines and sustained inter-agency coordination.

Sandhu was also informed about a study by INTACH for conservation-led interventions, landscaping, improved pedestrian connectivity and visitor amenities designed to strengthen the relationship between heritage preservation and riverfront renewal.

Reviewing the integrated riverfront development strategy, Sandhu emphasised the potential of spiritual tourism, heritage conservation, green spaces and flood resilience in developing the Yamuna riverfront as an important cultural and public destination for Delhi.

He said the initiative should create livelihood opportunities while reconnecting citizens with the river, and directed that Yamuna rejuvenation be pursued as a flagship urban transformation programme.

The DDA officials also said in the meeting that over 70 lakh native trees were planted and 10 million riverine grasses and wetland species were introduced across the Yamuna floodplain ecosystem.

Additionally, 35 wetlands with a cumulative water-holding capacity of nearly 1,420 million litres have been developed across the river corridor, strengthening groundwater recharge, enhancing biodiversity and reinforcing the floodplain’s natural ability to moderate flood impacts, Sandhu was informed.

LG Sandhu also reviewed the progress of key ecological destinations developed along the river corridor, including Asita, Baansera, Amrut Biodiversity Park, Yamuna Vanasthali, Kalindi Aviral and Yamuna Vatika, officials said.