By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday conducted a joint inspection of Yamuna riverfront sites, including Vasudev Ghat and Yamuna Bazar Ghat, to review ongoing rejuvenation efforts, sanitation arrangements and infrastructure development.
During the visit, officials were directed to strengthen development of the riverbanks, improve sanitation systems and accelerate infrastructure projects, with a focus on flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon and summer seasons.
The two leaders noted a visible contrast between developed and underdeveloped stretches. While sites such as Vasudev Ghat and other projects developed by the Delhi Development Authority have emerged as eco-friendly public spaces, several ghats require similar upgrades through coordinated efforts among departments.
A detailed review was undertaken of greenway development, biodiversity zones, walking and cycling tracks, wetland restoration and modern cleaning mechanisms. Officials also presented plans for phased floodplain restoration from Wazirabad to Okhla, aimed at ecological rejuvenation and pollution reduction.
Highlighting concerns raised during recent public interactions, the Lieutenant Governor said issues such as river pollution, air quality, flooding and water scarcity must be addressed urgently. He termed Yamuna rejuvenation and air pollution control as “non-negotiable priorities” to be pursued in mission mode.
Directions were issued to key agencies, including the Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, to work in close coordination and prepare time-bound implementation plans.
The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the need to adopt global best practices with support from national and international experts, noting that Yamuna rejuvenation remains a priority at the highest levels of government.
The Chief Minister said the Delhi government has made river cleaning a central focus of its environmental agenda, with a significant allocation under the ₹22,236 crore ‘Green Budget’ for 2026–27. She added that the largest share has been earmarked for sewage treatment and desilting works to ensure adequate funding.
Calling for immediate action, Gupta directed the removal of encroachments from floodplains to enhance water holding capacity and improve flood management. She also emphasised a three-pronged strategy of desilting, ensuring smooth water flow and addressing waterlogging hotspots.
Both leaders stressed the need to develop Yamuna ghats as a continuous stretch to create accessible and sustainable public spaces, while maintaining ecological balance. Officials were instructed to enforce a zero-tolerance approach towards sewage discharge, solid waste mismanagement and illegal dumping.
The government reiterated that long-term river rejuvenation would require sustained efforts, public participation and strict monitoring to build a clean and resilient Yamuna ecosystem.
