In a stride towards enhancing the ecological and aesthetic beauty of the Yamuna floodplains, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inaugurated the 494-acre Yamuna Vatika, which is situated opposite the Rajghat Power Plant.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Harsh Malhotra, Northeast BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra, and Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Vijay Kumar Singh, among others.
Spanning 494 acres (200 hectares), Yamuna Vatika focuses on restoring the Yamuna floodplains to their natural state. Designed in line with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), this space not only rejuvenates the region’s ecology but also serves as a sanctuary for Delhi’s residents to enjoy passive recreation in harmony with nature.
Yamuna Vatika boasts native tree species, riverine grasses, and restored waterbodies, all contributing to a thriving floodplain ecosystem. In accordance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and expert recommendations, the area along the existing embankments has been transformed into a vibrant ‘Greenway’. This includes the restoration of waterbodies from existing depressions, alongside open spaces designed for various recreational activities, all interconnected by kachha trails.
“The aim is to create a serene environment where residents and visitors can immerse themselves in nature and engage in passive leisure activities,” a DDA official stated.
Designed to cater to families and individuals alike, Yamuna Vatika features dedicated areas for children’s play, equipped with eco-friendly structures. Open-air seating is strategically placed along the slopes, providing visitors with picturesque views of the surroundings.
A six-acre floral plantation, complete with seating shelters and winding pathways, invites visitors to explore the vibrant blooms and experience tranquility amidst nature.
One of the park’s most striking features is the newly installed 47.5-tonne Nandi statue near the Geeta Colony Bridge entrance.
Carved from Bhainslana black marble in Kuthara, Rajasthan, the statue measures an imposing 18’ x 6’ x 11’.
Completed in just eight months, the sculpture adds a unique cultural and aesthetic dimension to the park’s design, blending spirituality with the landscape.
To strengthen the bond between Delhi and the Yamuna, a dedicated "Ecological Zone" has been established along the riverbank, stretching up to 300 meters. Earthen trails allow visitors to engage closely with the river, providing a serene and reflective space while promoting environmental consciousness.
Since the start of the project, DDA has planted approximately 5,700 native trees and over 52 lakh riverine grasses at Yamuna Vatika, contributing significantly to the area’s ecological restoration.
