The Delhi government is all set roll out the Yamuna riverfront development project on November 2. A medicinal garden, a nakshatra vatika, rowing and canoeing facilities and a modern wrestling ring (akhada) are part of the project that will stretch over 5 km on the banks of the Yamuna upstream from Wazirabad.
The plan is estimated to cost Rs 200 crore, while Water and Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said that the project entails no concrete structures and will be built using bamboo and wood. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will inaugurate the project.
“The event will see the participation of around 10,000 people. The riverfront will have wetlands, facilities of rowing, canoeing, a modern akhara (traditional wrestling pit). Concrete will not be used and the structures will be made of bamboo and wood,” said Mishra.
Mishra added that while the land continues to be vested with the Centre-controlled Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Delhi Jal Board’s (DJB) horticulture department has taken over it to carry out the development work, said the minister. The Riverfront Development Plan will be executed in three phases, the first of which is expected to be completed in six months, said Mishra.
“We will develop rowing and canoeing facilities of international standards and we hope to hold the first rowing and canoeing event in the next six to seven months. This facility can be used to hold national and international tournaments.”
The ambitious plan seeks to develop the entire riverfront stretch in Delhi by way of creating wetlands with a variety of plants to clean sewage flowing into the river among other methods.
