LG, CM direct officials to accelerate Yamuna rejuvenation
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday directed officials to accelerate Yamuna rejuvenation and riverfront development, calling the effort a non-negotiable priority that must be pursued in mission mode.
During a joint inspection of Vasudev Ghat and Yamuna Bazar Ghat, the two leaders reviewed sanitation, infrastructure, and flood preparedness and issued instructions to strengthen coordination among agencies. The visit focused on assessing ongoing work and readiness for the upcoming monsoon and summer challenges.
The Lt Governor stressed that issues such as Yamuna pollution, air pollution, water scarcity, and flooding require urgent and sustained intervention. He said the Government will adopt a time-bound approach to rejuvenate the entire floodplain stretch from Palla to Kalindi Kunj, based on concerns raised by citizens during recent public interactions.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Yamuna cleaning remains a central commitment of the Delhi Government. She said the 2026 to 2027 Green Budget of Rs 22,236 crore allocates a significant share to environmental initiatives, with the largest portion directed towards Yamuna cleaning through the Delhi Jal Board.
Officials from multiple departments, including Irrigation and Flood Control, Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, and Municipal Corporation of Delhi, have been asked to work in close coordination. They have also been directed to prepare detailed plans with clear timelines and targets.
During the inspection, the Lt Governor and the Chief Minister noted the contrast between developed and underdeveloped ghats. Sites such as Vasudev Ghat, Asita, Baansera, and Yamuna Biodiversity Park were cited as examples of eco-friendly and sustainable public spaces. However, several other ghats were found to require similar development.
The review covered greenway projects, walking and cycling tracks, plantation drives, wetland restoration, and conservation of natural water channels. Officials presented updates on floodplain restoration work being carried out in phases from Wazirabad to Okhla.
The Lt Governor said the project will draw on national and international expertise to adopt best practices and innovative solutions. He added that Yamuna rejuvenation is among the top priorities of the central leadership.
The Chief Minister directed the immediate removal of encroachments from floodplains to improve the river’s water-holding capacity and strengthen flood management. She also instructed officials to implement a three-point strategy focusing on desilting, ensuring smooth water flow, and addressing waterlogging hotspots.
Both leaders emphasised the need to develop the Yamuna riverbanks as a continuous stretch instead of isolated projects. The aim is to create accessible and well-planned public spaces for citizens while maintaining ecological balance. They also called for strict monitoring of solid waste management and sewage discharge. Officials were instructed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal dumping and pollution.
The Lt Governor said governance must remain responsive and citizen-centric. He noted that public feedback has played a key role in shaping the current approach to Yamuna rejuvenation.
The Chief Minister said the effort to restore the Yamuna is a long-term process that requires sustained commitment and public participation. She added that the goal is to build a clean, green, and resilient river system for the Capital.
At the end of the inspection, both leaders underlined that development along the Yamuna must be environmentally sustainable and contribute to enhancing biodiversity while also creating attractive public spaces.
