The Barapullah drain is set to get green as the Delhi Development Authority on Friday decided to develop a greenway trail along it. The project not only includes cultivating a green belt along the drain, but also creating a recreational space for the people.
To make the surroundings of the drain fit for recreational purpose, the plan also includes cleaning of the drain by installing decentralised biological treatment facility along its length.The project which received the green signal of lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Friday and is a part of South Delhi Greenway Master Plan is also expected to recharge the eco-system.
"Our aim is to convert the filthy drain into a space which can be utilised for relaxing and spending quality time. The greenway trail will have jogging tracks, exercising facilities for all age groups and play areas for children," said a DDA official. The project will transform nearly 900 acres of derelict landscape, which is presently under utilised, into a beautifully connected parkway and trail network.
Jung suggested that the project be implemented by the DDA through a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) consisting of representatives from UTTIPEC, PWD, MCDs, DJB, I&FS, IITs, NEERI, INTACH, ASI and any other department of State and Central Government. UTTIPEC will monitor the progress of the project every three months and brief the same to Jung, informed an official. "The ecological planting along the drains would locally treat storm-water and any overflow sewage, absorb air-pollutants, reduce urban heat island effect and improve microclimate of the area. Besides, it will aid rise in water table of Delhi," said the official.
