LG, CM inspect Yamuna ghats; push time-bound floodplain rejuvenation

New Delhi: Lieutenant governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu and chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday conducted a joint inspection of Vasudev Ghat and Yamuna Bazaar Ghat to review Yamuna rejuvenation and riverfront development works.Describing the rejuvenation of the Yamuna and related challenges such as air pollution, water scarcity and flooding as “non-negotiable priorities”, the LG said these issues must be addressed in a mission mode. The CM said Delhi govt made a major push for river cleaning by allocating the largest share of its ‘Green Budget’ to Yamuna rejuvenation.Gupta directed officials to strengthen riverbank development, sanitation and infrastructure, with special emphasis on floodplain restoration, greenways, wetland conservation and biodiversity enhancement.During the inspection, the LG and CM said that while Vasudev Ghat — along with restored sites such as Asita, Baansera and the Yamuna Biodiversity Park — emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable public space attracting thousands of visitors, several other ghats remain underdeveloped.Officials said the restored ghats are bringing Delhi residents closer to the river and fostering a sense of ownership towards the Yamuna and can serve as models to be replicated elsewhere.

LG Sandhu instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to undertake rejuvenation of the entire Yamuna floodplain stretch — from Palla to Kalindi Kunj — in a time-bound manner with specific timelines.He also directed all departments concerned, including the irrigation and flood control department (I&FCD), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), to work in seamless coordination.The LG and CM reviewed the development of ghats, green zones, walking trails and biodiversity areas and assessed the deployment of modern machinery for cleaning operations. Progress of greenway development, kutcha walking and cycling tracks, plantation along riverbanks, wetland restoration and conservation of natural water channels was also reviewed.Sandhu said the inspection followed extensive public interactions over the past month, during which citizens raised concerns about Yamuna pollution, air quality, monsoon flooding and summer water shortages. Stressing citizen-centric governance, he said the govt would collaborate with experts to adopt global best practices for rejuvenating the floodplains in a time-bound manner.The CM directed officials to formulate a three-pronged agenda focusing on desilting, ensuring smooth water flow and implementing permanent solutions for waterlogging hotspots.