Delhi lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal on Saturday visited Yamuna floodplains to review the works underway on site for the Yamuna rejuvenation and restoration works.
Senior official of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) informed him that the restoration work will be taken up in a phased manner. “Four areas under the ownership of DDA spreading over an area of approximately 4885 acres have been identified. In the first phase, 500 acres of area on western bank of the river from old railway bridge to ITO barrage is being taken up to revive and restore the riverine ecosystems by creating wetlands, greenways, walkways and afforestation,” a release from the l-G office stated.
He was informed about the timelines of the first phase which will be completed by April 2018. The operation and management of CCTV cameras at site for land protection were also shown to the Governor. l-G also briefed about the history and cultural importance of river Yamuna and about the comprehensive plan prepared as per the guidelines of NGT. "Security personnel have also been deployed to keep a close vigil to check illegal encroachments, dumping of debris, and these security personnel are in close touch with Delhi Police," it stated.
lieutenant-Governor directed DDA officials to ensure that the work of the first phase should be completed within the timeline. He further stressed that work in next phase be taken up simultaneously for timely project execution. "Officials were also directed to ensure a walkthrough on the proposed project and to maintain a record of status of area before and after the works for institutional memory," it said.
He also directed that the basic public amenities like zero waste toilets, shelters should be provided for visitors that in the greenway zone as this project has immense potential for enhancing eco-tourism in Delhi and shall provide an avenue for sustained community engagement and ownership.