11 Projects To Revive Yamuna Floodplain
have intensified efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Yamuna, with 11 restoration projects spanning 1,600 hectares across its floodplain. While three projects have been completed, officials are closely monitoring and reviewing the rest frequently to ensure that all works meet the timeline given by landowning agency DDA.
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According to official documents, the three completed projects are Asita East (Part A) spread over 93 hectares, Amrut Biodiversity (parts A and B) covering 108 hectares and Qudsia Ghat/Vasudev Ghat spanning 16 hectares under Ghat Area plan. The total area under the completed projects is 217 hectares while the in-process ones cover 1,384.75 hectares.Officials said Amrut Biodiversity Park, recently inaugurated after Asita East and Vasudev Ghat, had six waterbodies, with approximately 14,500 trees of diverse species, 18,000 shrubs and about 3,21,000 riverine grasses. The facilities include walkways and lawn spaces, with plans to establish a cafeteria and add sculptures to attract more visitors.A senior official said, "These green areas along the eastern and western banks of the Yamuna help in reviving the floodplain. Also, given that Delhi faces a shortage of public green spaces, these areas have been developed in a way that families can enjoy walks and engage in leisure activities." Asita East, where around 5,500 trees native to the floodplain ecology were planted, has started attracting several migratory birds. Developing these green areas also helps in enhancing water infiltration, preventing runoff, and improving water quality, he said, adding that they also reduce soil erosion and create habitats for diverse flora and fauna.The revamped Vasudev Ghat saw chief minister Rekha Gupta perform Yamuna aarti along with her cabinet colleagues after taking charge. Kalindi Aviral, a 100ha project, was completed, but suffered partial damage due to construction work by an agency, and is being restored, according to the project details given to govt. Kalindi Aviral Extension, spanning over 163ha, is expected to be completed by Dec 31. Asita East (Part B, UP portion), covering 107 hectares, would be completed soon. Amrut Biodiversity (Part C), an 8.5-hectare area, has been handed over to Central Public Works Department. Phase-I of 107-hectare Asita West or Yamuna Vatika (Part B) is completed, and Phase-II is to be finished by June 30. Kalindi Biodiversity Park, spread over 115ha, will be ready soon. The Ghat Area project also includes Surghat (13.6ha) and Eco Trail (33ha), the latter's deadline being June 30. Yamuna Vanasthali covers 236.5 hectares and its Phase-I is ready.Mayur Nature Park is the largest among the projects, with a total area of 397.75 hectares. Its Part A (235ha) and Part B (162.75ha) are targeted for completion by March 31, 2026. Hindan Sarovar, comprising Part A (15ha) and Part B (30ha), is also scheduled for completion on the same date. The 30-hectare Eco-Tourism area is still in the planning phase while 25-hectare River Front Project is in the conceptual phase.
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