In yet another bid to conserve the dying river Yamuna, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Friday set up the Unified Centre for Rejuvenation of River Yamuna (UCRRY). The UCRRY will formulate policies, norms, guidelines and undertake various projects on the floodplains and watersheds of Yamuna in order to rejuvenate it.
The DDA formed this centre on the recommendations of the expert committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to ensure conservation, protection and rejuvenation of the Yamuna and to promote and secure requisite development activities in or along the river. “We want to find sustainable ways to beautify the Yamuna. The UCRRY will have to restore, protect and conserve the riverine ecosystem and its functions such as flood control, habitat protection and groundwater recharge.
The governing body of the UCRRY, headed by Delhi lieutenant-Governor, will comprise Chief Secretary, vice-chairman of DDA. It will have members from the DJB, Irrigation and Flood Control department, Environment department, PWD, DMRC, DTTDC, MoUD, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Forest.
“The Centre will undertake research pertaining to various aspects of the revival and development of river and its floodplains and then only formulate policies and implement projects and scheme. It will also monitor and evaluate the implementation from time to time,” said a senior DDA official. The expenses for the centre and its activities shall be met by the DDA and it shall also be
entitled to receive grants and loans from Government and local bodies.