Yamuna Vatika is an expansive green space spread across 450 acres of meticulously designed flower fields, flowering trees and gardens being developed by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on the river floodplains, soon to be the largest of its kind in the city. It will help in mitigating pollution to an extent, and provide green lungs to Delhi.

This initiative for greening Delhi, expected to be opened to the public in the next three weeks, has been helmed by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, who has already steered green marvels like Baansera, Asita East, Vaishnavi, Vasudev Ghat and the revitalised Roshanara Bagh and Nursery.

Designed as a multi-activity green space, Yamuna Vatika will serve as a haven for nature lovers, families and fitness enthusiasts alike. The project is part of the restoration scheme of Yamuna floodplains and witnessed the plantation of 500 chinar and 500 cherry blossom saplings. The project will have a garden, jogging and cycling tracks, eco-friendly temporary structures for eateries, a bio-retention zone and a wetland with a viewing deck, among others.

The flower fields at Yamuna Vatika will feature a triple-layered floral design, setting a new benchmark in urban landscaping. With its vibrant hues and serene ambiance, this initiative aims to become the city’s first dedicated ‘Field of Flowers’, adding to the ecological and aesthetic appeal of Delhi.

Nearly 8,000 indigenous trees, including Gulmohar, Amaltaas, Chinar and exotic species such as Cherry Blossom saplings, along with 10,000 bamboo have already been planted, contributing to the floodplains ecological rejuvenation. These vibrant trees will not only enhance the city’s green cover but also offer a spectacular visual treat to visitors at Yamuna Vatika.

It also features four large water bodies, strategically integrated into its design to support water conservation as also holding water during flooding.

In a bid to restore the ecology of the Yamuna floodplains and give breathable green space to the people of East Delhi, the DDA has inaugurated the Asita East project near Laxmi Nagar. Asita East project is spread over 197 hectares of land, of which 90 hectares are with DDA and the remaining falls under the jurisdiction of the UP irrigation department. Vikas Marg forms the southern edge, Pushta Road, the eastern edge, and the Yamuna flows towards its west. The 90 hectares of land under the DDA, located adjacent to Vikas Marg, has been inaugurated and opened to people.

‘Vaishnavi’ park at Ashok Vihar-II is an area spread over 10 acres, developed by the DDA to promote urban green spaces. There were tonnes of waste lying at the spot, and the locals were fed up with the poor condition of this place. The park features a diverse array of native and medicinal plants, along with walkways, waterbodies, fountains and lights to give an aesthetic look to the place.

The LG’s other project is Vasudev Ghat, located along the western bank of the Yamuna between Yamuna Ghat and Nigam Bodh Ghat. The ghat - the first in the city to be built by the DDA - was previously inaccessible due to a steep slope, was littered with garbage, and had 1.5-foot-deep silt deposits from the July floods of last year.

The restored riverbank now has carved pavilions and lush greens with seasonal flower beds of tulip,, and sadabahar, more than 2,000 native and naturalised trees, and 400,000 riverine grass saplings.

The 145-metre ghat has three entrances with parking space for 150 cars, and 25 steps to descend to the river. A statue of "Maa Yamuna" has been installed here, along with a chhatri covering a 300kg metal bell sourced from Jalesar in Uttar Pradesh, which produces a unique vibration and sound when rung.

LG’s other pet project is the Baansera park, located near Sarai Kale Khan. Baansera, situated along the western banks of the Yamuna over an area of 28 acres, features over 15 varieties of 30,000 bamboo plants.

Roshanara Bagh is another project, spread over 57 acres, the 17th century Roshanara Bagh was a garden developed by the second daughter of emperor Shah Jahan and Begum Mumtaz Mahal. The original garden was designed and commissioned by the princess in the 1650s at the time Shahjahanabad was being built and the baradari at the centre of the garden now serves as her resting place.

Poised to become one of Delhi’s most sought-after green destinations, Yamuna Vatika stands as a testament to the LG’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable urban development for the citizens of the capital. With its thoughtful design and ecological significance, this initiative reaffirms the vision of a greener, more sustainable Delhi.